Category: Wisdom

Posted on in Being Gracious, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom

A Little Stretched

Recently, on my personal Facebook page, a memory popped up from two years ago.

Here is what it said:

Tonight, I was preparing for the week ahead, prepping meals and doing dishes, while hoping to watch the Olympics. Lydia, already relaxed and watching the Olympics, asked me for an after-dinner snack when I hadn’t even eaten my dinner yet…

I was a little short with her. Here is our conversation as I came upstairs with an armful of laundry.

L: Mom, you look a little stretched.
Me, with a sigh: What do you mean, Lydia?
L: Hold on, I’ll be right back!

L, seconds later: Here, you can use this! I like to squeeze it when I am stretched.

The emoji stress ball was a perfect reminder not to be so serious…and so sweet of Lydia to encourage and help me. The fact that she picked up on my mood without actually understanding the reasons made me laugh! I’m so thankful for her!

I thought it was funny that Lydia replaced the word stressed with stretched. Yet, it was totally applicable in that context. I also appreciated her thoughtfulness and compassion.

And yes, the laughing-to-the-point-of-tears emoji ball makes me smile even now.

But maybe today, you are feeling a little stretched. Perhaps your schedule is pushed to the limit and you can’t simply laugh it off. Remember: God’s got this.

Let God have your worries, and take on His perspective instead. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. He loves you with an everlasting love. He’s got it.

You may not know how it all works out, but God’s got you covered. Rest in His grace.

I hope this post brightens your day, and that you find something to smile or laugh about today. Take time to pray, destress, and relax. Take the scenic route when possible. 

Life is too short to always be a little stretched.

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Heavenly Father, thanks for being our Victory! When we feel stressed or stretched thin, help us turn to You. Let us rest in Your grace, knowing You’ve got us covered. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What would it mean for you to give your worries, stress, and schedule to God?

Tasks: Life is an adventure! Cast all your cares on Jesus, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Listen to the song, “You got this” by Love and the Outcome.

 

 

Posted on in Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Steady Me Now

Whenever I see a word repeatedly popping up in everyday life, I take notice.

Lately, that word is anchor.

Maybe it started when I watched a random movie that took place on a cruise ship. 🙂

Or, maybe it was because I was reviewing some old blog posts!

Here’s one. Here’s another. And another.

At any rate, I have been listening to the song, “Anchor,” by Skillet, on repeat.

I keep singing part of the chorus over and over: “You are my anchor, So steady me, steady me now.”  I have even caught myself humming it in public!

You know, it’s a little more inconspicuous that way… 😉

In Christ Jesus, we have “hope as an anchor for the soul, strong and secure” (from Hebrews. 6:19, NIV). He provides safety, security, and grounding in any storm.

Jesus also prevents us from moving off course. We are wise to cling to Him like the anchor He is. There are many types of storms and vessels and missions, but Jesus is more than enough to meet every need! Trust Him!

That begs the question: To what or whom are you anchored?

Are you anchored to Jesus, or are you stuck on other people’s expectations and opinions? What holds your attention? Do you look to the Prince of Peace or to your problems?

We all face external challenges and internal troubles. Outside forces are often beyond our control, but sometimes we try to control them. Internally, the mind can be quite subtle. Both have unique risks and dangers, and both can be difficult to navigate.

It seems there are two ways we can anchor or attach ourselves to something. Although they may appear similar at first glance, only one is stable. One means we do all the work ourselves, while the other brings rest, peace, power, and protection. 

We can clasp onto an idea or person or object with stubbornness and pride. This means I am doing life solo and in my own strength. I have all the answers, so I don’t need any outside help or input. Unfortunately, when I fasten myself, the chain quickly becomes binding and I am trapped. I am no match for life’s challenges on my own.

Or, we can cling to Jesus with steadfastness and humility. This means He holds me tight as I wait for Him to lead me. I seek His input first and refuse to move until I hear from Him. Relying on the Lord takes patience… because I can’t chart my own course successfully.

It is important to evaluate your position while life is still calm. A storm leaves no time to figure out how to use an anchor! Don’t leave yourself at risk. Come to Jesus right now!

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Dear Jesus, thanks for being my Anchor! You are strong and secure. Thanks for Your protection. Help me rest and wait for You. In Your Name, Amen

Questions: How firm is your anchor, or whatever you are depending upon? Will it hold fast in the next storm? How can you be sure?

Tasks: If you’re clinging to anything other than Jesus Christ, now is your opportunity to let go and grab onto Him like your life depends on it. (It does!) And, listen to this song!

 

 

Posted on in Being Gracious, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Wisdom

Finding Grace #204

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 week was full of God’s grace and peace! I sensed God’s perfect timing which helped me know I am right where I need to be. Interestingly, someone asked me to get together, but we couldn’t make the timing work (for either of us). Unfortunately, the person was disappointed when I didn’t drop my other plans. However, for me, it was a good reminder to let God lead and not live to please people. If I walk with Jesus, I can’t go wrong!

This week, I enjoyed meeting with my writing group and picked up some timely ideas. I’m so thankful for the collaboration, motivation, and fellowship these ladies provide! Thank you, dear friends!

Our current weekly activities include AWANA and a ladies’ Bible study. The kids at AWANA were so sweet this week. I enjoy helping them build a godly foundation and am grateful I can influence them for Jesus. My Bible study ladies canceled this week so Lydia and I had fun doing some special activities together. I love it when God redirects me!

Lydia and I really enjoyed catching up with my sister and parents. Mom and Dad sent us a whole bucket of Cheryl’s cookies! Lydia already divided them and told me which ones I can have. They are delicious, and I am happy to share!

During winter, it is easy to just come home and relax. The temptation to hibernate is real, but unfortunately, that means we don’t see our friends or neighbors as much! This week, a friend came over to chat, and I was so glad to catch up! I also ran into another friend at work, which was a fun surprise. I love seeing God at work around me!

I love January because it gives me time to spend with Lydia and to work on projects. The rest of the year seems to fly by, once weekly activities start up again. Lydia and I grew together and each accomplished a lot for the first month of the year! I am excited to see what God has in store for us in February, too!

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

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

Posted on in Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

The Gift of Time

Yesterday, I ran into a coworker on the way out of my building. Someone in her family died last year, and she is still grieving the loss. I don’t see her often, but I try to smile and encourage her whenever I can.

I briefly asked her how she was doing, and she thanked me for asking. We talked about it for a few minutes, and I hugged her before I left to go home.

While God can come through for us in an instant, it seems He often makes us walk through our difficulties. Why is that? Why doesn’t He just swoop in and save the day?

When we don’t see answers to prayer, it can feel like God isn’t listening or He doesn’t care. Or in certain cases, when we don’t see God at work to solve our problems, maybe it seems He has abandoned us. Honestly, I felt all of these things when my husband was sick. 

Thankfully, our feelings do not dictate reality. God never leaves us nor forsakes us! And, if you are feeling lost or alone or helpless, you are perfectly positioned to receive His grace.

With our limited human perspective, there’s no way we can understand God’s purposes or plan. Often, we don’t know all that’s going on behind the scenes, how God is orchestrating it for our good and His glory. But that doesn’t mean He isn’t working.

That’s why we need to come to Him, to gain understanding from His viewpoint.

God’s love never fails. As we work through our emotions and other challenges, God holds us and helps us. He is right there with us each step of the way. If you don’t feel Him, just reach out. Worship God! Call upon the Lord!

Also, remember that all of this takes time. Processing grief takes time. Growth takes time. Even forgiveness takes time. Discerning how to moving forward can take time, too.

Sometimes, it seems like time stretches on forever, with no relief in sight. I understand. There were times when I questioned if I would ever feel like myself again!

But there is purpose in waiting, too. If we wait on the Lord expectantly and bring all our concerns to Him, He will redeem our pain and make something beautiful in His time.

I have learned that time itself is a gift. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so let’s make the most of the time we do have. Slow progress is still progress!

And by walking slowly with Jesus, He will point out what we need to know along the way.  For example, if we rush through and skip the grieving process (if that’s even possible), think about all we might miss.

Personally, I would have missed out on seeing God’s sweet and refreshing grace.

So yes, take time to grieve well. Take time for who and what you love. Spend time with Jesus.

As we learn to cope in healthy ways, we can pass on what we’ve learned to help other people. Hope. Healing. Love. Joy. Peace. Grace.

As we share our stories and resources, we all grow and become stronger together. And, by extending grace to others, we notice more of it in our lives as well.

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Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of time. Thanks for walking with us each step of the way. When so much time passes and we don’t see resolution or restoration, help us trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: If you had immeasurable time, what would you do? Would you try to “fix” your problems or try something new or help someone?

Tasks: Since none of us has immeasurable time, we must use what we have wisely. Go ahead and take the leap! Trust God and see what happens!

Posted on in Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Prayer, Procrastination, Wisdom, Words, Worship

I Will Call Upon the Lord!

We all face many distractions every day. That’s nothing new! But if we’re not careful, one distraction leads to another and another. Before long, we are completely off track.

Recently I noticed a little trail of personal distractions. I was getting ready for my day but answered a text on my phone. From there, a social media article led to a funny meme, and then a short video. Thankfully, I took control of myself before I was late for a meeting!

Here is how I switched gears so quickly: I started singing a random worship song! First, just the same phrase over and over because I didn’t have a song in mind ready to go. The lyrics just burst out!

But, then lyrics from other songs came to me, too. I noticed it was effective, and so I just kept singing God’s praises. It was refreshing!

I sang parts of several songs as they came to me. It was a fun experiment as I tried to remember each song. Some were phrases or choruses from old Sunday school songs I learned as a child, and some were newer songs we currently sing at church. Camp songs, hymns, songs from the radio–anything was game! 

Soon, I noticed an improvement in both my focus and my mood!

If you’re feeling creative, you can even add a melody to prayers and Scripture. In fact, many of the Psalms started off that way. Music helps us connect with God’s heart!

**If you have time, check out this website, Every Psalm. A husband and wife duo are arranging music for and singing (you guessed it) every Psalm!**

You don’t have to have an instrument or a ‘good’ voice in order to sing and worship. Actually, God made you unique on purpose. No one can praise Him like you!

Really, just about anything can be turned into a song! (Case in point: Here is a Carpool Karaoke episode of Jennifer Hudson singing James Corden’s fast-food order!)

There are several good ways to deal with distractions. That may include reframing our expectations, adjusting our schedule, and setting boundaries. Social media, for example, can actually be a good thing if it is used wisely. Right time, right place, right content.

However you handle distractions, we can always call upon the Lord! Jesus never leaves us, but if we’re not paying attention, we can lose track of Him in our lives. Indeed, it blesses the Lord when we invite Him into our day. And, each time we ask Him for help, we receive His power and perspective. We can soak up His love, joy, and peace, too!

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God, be praised! Thanks for putting a new song in my heart! Thanks that I can call upon You in every single circumstance. You are always with me. Help me stay focused on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you noticed any patterns that cause you to become distracted? Comparison to others? Fatigue? Time of day? Stress? Too many projects?

Tasks: Plan regular breaks during your day to check social media or whatever is taking your attention; then put it away and get back to work! 🙂 To help eliminate distractions, review the apps on your phone and delete those you are not using. Keep your phone on silent as much as possible. It really helps!

 

 

 

Posted on in Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Worship

His Story, Plan, and Year

Recently, a friend posted a recap of the last year on her social media page. After discussing her ups and downs, she said how thankful she was for God’s faithfulness. Then, she posted a picture of this cute mug that said: “This is My His Year.” Yes, ‘My’ is crossed out.

It was a perfect reminder that life is not about you or me. It’s about Jesus.

Then, this week, I came across some timely articles with a similar message.

The first article mentioned that we often see life from our personal storyline. For example, if someone is career-driven, then their daily decisions will likely serve that bottom line. Their thoughts and choices will work to advance that path. Yes, they may go to church, help people, pay their bills on time, and so on, but the subconscious focus is on their own success.

In some ways, our brains are wired to hyperfocus on what’s right in front of us. But if we’re not careful, we may be missing the picture of Jesus’ larger story! His is the only story that matters.

As I reflect on my own life, maybe I focus too much through the lens of being a daughter or sister or dietitian or blogger or a widow or single mom, or whatever. (Maybe you identify with being a grandparent, a bus driver, a nurse, a cook, a banker, or a teacher.) Those roles are not necessarily wrong; in fact, they can be very good.

But what I do can’t be my everything.

Ultimately, my identity is found in Christ. He is the author, and I am merely a beloved character in His story. I can’t let my small perspective limit what God wants to do in me and through me. Every hour, I need to refocus on Jesus and what He wants for me to be and do. And that makes me thankful for several reasons!

First of all, when I remember God’s got this, I am off the hook. Not being in charge of the story means I don’t have to stress about what other people are doing or not doing. I am not responsible for getting each character to the end. I can just focus on Jesus and the tasks He gives me. No more, no less.

Second, those same God-given tasks tend to become my focus if I’m not careful. The daily grind can consume us! But instead of being distracted, I can focus on being obedient and doing my best for Jesus. For example, at work, I can see each interaction with a patient as a way to serve them and show them God’s love. It’s His glory after all, not mine.

Third, the second article mentions, “Setbacks and steps forward must be reinterpreted around a journey of becoming more like Christ.” Positive and negative experiences should ultimately point us back to Jesus. Similarly, our successes are not our own, and our failures are not our burdens. Instead, they can redirect our focus back to our gracious God. When we see daily challenges have a bigger purpose, it takes the pressure off our performance.

While it feels fantastic when everything seems to go my way, the circumstances that brought that happiness will never last. This world is fading away, but whatever God starts, He will sustain. That’s His job, and He is always faithful!

Our goals, plans, and dreams are certainly valuable! But they are nothing compared to Jesus Himself! Let’s have the right perspective. This is His Story, His Plan, and His Year. Trust Him!

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God, thanks for taking such good care of me! Thank You for Your sovereignty. I’m grateful You’ve got this, Lord. Help me do what You’ve asked me to do. Help me continue to rest and trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Would anything in your life be different if you dared to give God control? How would your daily routine change? Would you feel less stressed over the course of time?

Tasks: Write down your goals, plans, and dreams. Then, pray about them and let God have control. He can lead you and bring them to fruition, or He can give you something better!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Wisdom, Worship

Finding Grace #199

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 week we enjoyed celebrating Jesus’ birthday! He really is the perfect gift! We enjoyed the Christmas Eve service at church and also joined another family for dinner on Tuesday. Then, we spent Christmas day at home. We talked with family and received so many wonderful gifts! Thank you!!

I worked on Monday but have had the rest of the week off. Lydia and I ran some errands this week and have enjoyed spending lots of time together! We have baked treats and played a ton of new games.

Lydia has really ‘grown up’ this week before my eyes. First, Lydia opted to put the Christmas money she received in her savings account. Then, we had some intense discussions about all sorts of topics, including body image, accepting our perceived flaws, and being who God made us to be. I was hoping these topics wouldn’t come up so soon, but I felt God directing our conversations. Lydia calmed herself down and considered what I was saying as I helped reframe her concerns. Thanks, Lord!

This week, Lydia decided she actually does like to eat bell peppers. She also made herself breakfast (toast, etc.) and lunch (which included salad). Then, she read an abridged children’s version of Moby Dick and was happy to discover a new-to-her genre of classic literature. It was fun to watch her engage with the story. Thankfully, I bought her a handful of these books over the summer and she has several more days off school!

On Thursday, Lydia also volunteered to help me shovel snow and did a fabulous job. Then, we had fun sledding in the lot behind our house! We stayed outside for over an hour and then came in and enjoyed some hot chocolate. Later, we upgraded Lydia’s closet to bigger hangers and donated some clothes that were too small for her.

Today Lydia and I enjoyed the snowy weather! She started a new book (Journey to the Center of the Earth, abridged) while I “hiked” in Austria on my treadmill! Then, this afternoon, a friend came to visit and we introduced them to several of our new games. The extra player made everything a lot more fun and competitive! We will be laughing about that for quite a while. Tonight, we are watching another movie or two. It’s been a full week!

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

A Tale of Two Birthdays

Well, here we are in the swing of the holiday season!

Yesterday was Dave’s birthday. Of course, it comes every year, but yesterday felt different. I intentionally put off thinking about it all until later in the day because I was trying to keep it together and get things done. Still, I’ve been thinking of him quite a bit lately.

It’s interesting to think about how things would be different if Dave was here…

This particular week is very busy trying to squeeze in a trillion activities before Christmas. Some of the stress is normal and would be the same even if Dave was here. Work and school, making meals, washing dishes, Christmas parties, shopping lines, etc.

But yesterday, I caught myself being frustrated by all the stressors that result from Dave being gone. Several things are more difficult now. Many things take longer to complete or just don’t get done. As a single mom and homeowner, all the responsibility falls on me.

Most of the time, I just deal with it. But yesterday, it took more effort. Missing Dave was one component, yes. But after work, school and Lydia’s orthodontist appointment, several random chaotic things happened all at once. It didn’t help that we were also sad, cold, overwhelmed, frustrated, tired, and hangry. It was the perfect storm.

Yesterday was a little rough at times. But, I noticed my mindset wasn’t particularly helpful and I didn’t want to linger there for long, though that would have been easier.

Thankfully, God showed up in the many people around us. Several people sent texts or called to chat. Last night, our neighbors dropped off a delicious box of goodies with perfect timing. And for dinner, a dear friend came over with pizza and cupcakes.

Last night, I reminded myself of all I have to be thankful for… Dave was a wonderful man and now I have Lydia! Then, a few Caterpillar guys checked in and sent thoughtful messages. We also received a number of beautiful Christmas cards reminding me of all the people cheering us on from near and far. I’m grateful for your prayers and support.

And, I reminded myself of how far God has brought me. That’s the beauty in all of this. Despite my (sometimes) heartache and frustration, Jesus is here with me.

Yesterday, Dave’s birthday was a little sad because it reminds me of all we have lost, but we look forward to celebrating Jesus’ birthday, too. We rejoice that Jesus’ birth brought us hope and redemption. A solution to the world’s collective heartbreak.

Emmanuel means ‘God with us’ and when Jesus steps into a situation, He will help us get through it. He brings peace and joy, grace and power, as well as hope and healing. But we have to invite Him in. Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

When all is well or when (I feel) nothing is going right… Emmanuel.

When problems arise and nothing gets solved… Emmanuel.

When I don’t measure up despite giving my best effort… Emmanuel.

There is power in the Name of Jesus and peace in His Presence. He is our Emmanuel. So instead of feeling sorry for myself, I’m seeing my pain as a reminder to draw closer to Jesus. I’m trusting in God’s grace and focusing on His goodness. Thank You, Jesus!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for sending Your son, Jesus, to be our Emmanuel. Thanks for never leaving us nor forsaking us. You deserve all our praise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Is there someone who needs a little encouragement or support during this season? How can you bring them comfort and point them to Jesus?

Tasks: Ask a grieving friend to come over for the holidays. Or, see if you can help them finish their shopping or baking or other preparations. Sometimes just being present is all they need to remember Jesus is with them, too.

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom

There’s Always a Catch!

Have you ever noticed how when one thing starts going right, something else seems to go wrong? For example, when the washing machine finally gets fixed, the drier needs repaired or the laundry detergent runs out. Or, you finally remember a coupon at the grocery store but find out it has expired.

Why is there always a catch?

You may leave for work extra early but still get stuck in traffic. Or, you get your oil changed but then your breaks start squeaking. Or, you waited to go sledding until the wind finally dies down but then the bitter cold settles in.

Why can’t we get a break?

At this time of year, for some people, life can seem to close in as we are reminded of all we are missing or all that has been lost. Perhaps you’ve lost a job or relationship. Perhaps life has just turned out differently than expected.

Years ago, I discovered an interesting Bible verse in my own grief. Deuteronomy 33:27 says, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” At first, it seems like an odd verse. Underneath are the everlasting arms…say what?

But when my late husband, Dave, died, I gained more understanding. Emotionally, it felt like the floor literally fell out from underneath my feet. My life was changed in an instant. But soon, that same verse brought me great comfort as I envisioned God catching me and drawing me near.

For those in the midst of intense grief, it can feel like you are falling with no place to land. It can be difficult to know which way is up. It might even feel like things will never get better. I get it. I’ve been there, too.

But, God caught me… and I know He will catch you too!

Maybe the Christmas season has you feeling down. Yet, that’s why Jesus came. He came not to simply bring light to the darkness, but to BE the light that extinguishes it.

Jesus came not to just fix what was broken but to give us a new purpose. He came not just to rescue us, but to give us a new life in Him. He is our living Hope.

During the holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement or stuck in our emotions. In both cases, we risk missing Jesus altogether. Thankfully, with God, there’s always a catch!

Jesus is our Rescuer.

When life gets chaotic, free-fall into God’s open arms. He’s waiting for you, so cling to Him. Whatever you are going through today, whether it is exciting or exhausting, invite Jesus in. He’s got you surrounded in grace and peace.

Let Him catch you and comfort you. His love never fails!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for sending Jesus, Our Rescuer. Thanks for catching us and holding us close. Please keep us focused on You instead of our circumstances. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are there any Bible verses that you have found odd only to understand later on in a more personal way? If so, share in the comments!

Task: Listen to the song, “Power of Your Love,” sung by Darlene Zschech. Make it your heart’s cry and draw close to Jesus.

 

Posted on in Miscellaneous, Parenting, Wisdom

LEGO Sets and Coding Robots

For her birthday last week, Lydia received several wonderful presents. For instance, she received a couple of LEGO sets, and we had fun putting them together last weekend.

I let Lydia do most of the work, but we both enjoyed the process. I mainly supervised but was happy she considered me to be part of the team.

Of course, we have put together multiple LEGO sets, but the details always amaze me. The directions contain virtually no words to describe what is expected, so it is mainly through looking at pictures one can be successful. Somehow it always works out!

Last week, there were times when we had to pull something apart and rebuild it. But even when we had to go back a few steps, it only made the final product stronger.

Besides gifts, Lydia also received an Amazon gift card and some cash. I usually have her save her money, but this time, I let her buy something special.

After comparing several ideas and looking through options, she decided on Botley, the Coding Robot. Two-day shipping meant her package came right away! 😉

Lydia first learned about coding last year, and I encourage any opportunity to build on her STEAM skills in a fun way. (STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)

So far, using Botley seems straightforward. He says hello, chatters periodically, and is really cute! I’ve even played with him after Lydia has gone to bed. 🙂

Botley is very hands-on, while still promoting critical thinking. I appreciate he brings ‘screen-free’ playtime. Thankfully, Lydia had enough birthday money to upgrade her set, so it should keep us engaged for awhile!

‘Coding’ is essentially computer programming. It is cool to see the basics of how this works behind the scenes. In our modern tech-driven society, coding is one key to making the world go ’round. So, for kids today, this is more or less a necessary skill.

Technology is not a stand-in for interpersonal skills, kindness, generosity, etc., but I want Lydia to stretch herself, learn new things, and grow. If she can have fun, too, bring it on!

Botley was simple to set up, and we were playing with him in a matter of minutes. At first, Lydia thought Botley was more of a remote control car, moving forward, backward, left, or right on a whim.

But soon, she realized she needed to plan ahead and tell her little robot what to do to help him reach the final destination or goal. It was a challenge for her to think through each step!

Interestingly, I see several parallels between LEGO sets, coding robots, and God’s sovereign plan for us. From DNA and fingerprints to unique personalities, talents, and interests… He has designed us for greatness!

It brings God great joy when we follow His direction and leading with a cheerful heart. As we move through each challenge, He cheers us on!

If we forget a step, we may have to fix something before we move forward. But if we lose sight of our goal, God is right there to remind us, encourage us, and empower us.

On the other hand, while God is the Master Coder, we are not His robots. Instead, He invites us into His family as dearly loved children!

We are also God’s partners. He takes charge but gives us personal responsibility too. Unlike Botley, who has no choice, if I refuse to listen, I have consequences.

At the very least, if I am disobedient, I risk not fulfilling His amazing plan for me.

I’m grateful God shares His plans with us. He never expects us to just ‘figure it out.’

We have several gifts and resources to help us. We have our God-given conscience and the Bible (God’s Word). We also have His peace and presence through the Holy Spirit.

God usually doesn’t share ALL the details at once, but thankfully, He always tells us what we need to know. Draw near to Him, ask for His input, and then do it!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for Your wonderful, sovereign plan! Thanks for always having Your best in mind for me. Help me walk it out in faithful obedience. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Do you feel like you are in a loving partnership with God or a remote-controlled robotic relationship?

Tasks: Pray for wisdom and direction, if you need it. Make sure to follow-through!