Category: Wisdom

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Miscellaneous, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Holy Hustle

Sometimes I just have to laugh when we struggle and then we see how silly we are. We are fooling ourselves if we think we can handle life on our own without God.

As a mom, when it comes to self-care, I have to be creative. For example, when I exercise with Lydia, I have to slow down to her pace. As a single mom, I have other inherent issues. So often, working out indoors is my best option. Getting outside is a bonus!

Recently, I prayerfully started looking for a new treadmill. My old one is over 11-years-old and has a few glitches. The dashboard only works when it wants to. Sometimes I can’t control the speed or incline, and the belt catches at higher speeds. Twice now, it has suddenly stopped right in the middle of a run. It’s becoming a safety issue.

Dave and I bought the treadmill two weeks after getting married. It was our first ‘big’ purchase together, so it does have some sentimental value. However, I’ve accepted the reality: I am afraid to use it for higher speeds because it is unreliable. I don’t want to get hurt!

For the last 3 years, and even more in the last 6 months, I’ve been telling myself that the slower, safer pace is just as effective. Slow walks are better than nothing, but at some point, I need to step it up for a better cardio workout. I do have other equipment, and it’s not necessarily a rush. But I need to stop making excuses.

So, I have been looking online for new and used treadmills. I have been reading reviews. My friend who was visiting this weekend is an avid runner so she helped me too. I even went to scout out some options in the local stores.

For now, I haven’t found anything that stands out aesthetically and is also a good price. I don’t need all the latest features, but I do want something that will last since this is not a frequent purchase.

On the one hand, home exercise equipment can be worthwhile if used regularly. For me, it’s an investment in my health. I want to take care of myself so I can take care of Lydia and all God has given me. It’s a fine balance.

Then again, I’m trying to be a good steward and use my money wisely. I can rearrange my budget to some degree, but I have been working towards other financial goals and can use my money elsewhere. It is good to be content and weigh my options!

Besides, when it comes to buying a new (or new-to-me) treadmill, there could be several hidden costs. Some places charge shipping or delivery fees. And, I would likely need help removing the old treadmill and assembling the new one.

There are many different factors to consider… Yesterday, after praying again for wisdom, it occurred to me that maybe I could fix my current treadmill.

Perhaps that’s not the best idea because replacing the individual parts could really add up. But I decided to at least clean it well and see what happens. It was worth a shot!

I watched some YouTube videos on what to do. I learned how to check the belt and internal components. I learned how to tighten screws and grease joints so it is less squeaky. It seemed fairly simple!

Then, in the afternoon, I started to deep clean the machine. I vacuumed up dust and checked the belt. It seemed fine because I’ve done regular maintenance on that. Next, I took off the motor cover and **GASP!!** it was sooo gross!

It was clear to see that it had not been cleaned inside for over 11 years. I was both embarrassed and slightly amazed it has lasted so long while being so dirty! Frankly, I praised God that it never caught on fire with all the dust and debris I found!

I did what I could but time will tell if it was enough! The dashboard still has electrical issues, but I’m hoping I can work around those. It’s still squeaky, but the above picture shows the improvement after cleaning.

My treadmill is a good object lesson for me. We often try to fix our own problems. We look for solutions but go nowhere fast. There are times to hustle, yes, but we still need to trust God to provide. We can’t neglect our relationship with the One who has the Master plan for our lives.

We often make excuses for our behavior. Unfortunately, living in our own strength often brings fear, frustration, and even failure. But when we seek God’s input through prayer, we can be grateful while we wait for Him to handle it and provide for us.

He generally doesn’t make all our problems go away overnight, but He does give us wisdom and grace to handle them. And, sometimes He shows us how to “clean up” our lives and messes so we can live freely, unhindered by all that tries to weigh us down.

I hope my treadmill is able to last a little longer with maintenance. Perhaps I can run outside this summer, though I’ll have to make some adjustments for Lydia. I’ll also keep looking for a good deal, knowing God will help me find an upgrade in His timing.

He is so good!

**********

Heavenly Father, thanks for all You do for me. Thanks for reminding me of Your grace in tangible ways. Help me trust you, work hard, and wait for Your timing. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: What is your favorite exercise? Do you prefer cardio or strength exercises?

Tasks: Check out the “Trust, Hustle, Rest” devotional in the YouVersion Bible App. Also, consider this your friendly reminder to deep clean your exercise equipment! 😉

Posted on in Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Breakthrough!

I previously mentioned how much I enjoy documentaries. Lately, I have been watching a show called ‘Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World’ on PBS.

A few weeks ago, I watched an episode on the telescope, showing all the scientific advances and even some ‘chance’ occurrences over the centuries. The show began with people following the night sky to discern the seasons. It then covered advances in blowing glass… to the development of the spyglass… to Galileo’s telescope which he focused upward…and later, to Edwin Hubble and space exploration. It is fascinating how people came up with creative solutions to perceived problems.

Then, last week, I watched the episode on the history of airplanes and flight.

Apparently, Leonardo Da Vinci dissected birds and studied their movements trying to understand how they stay in the air. Interestingly, despite his magnificent in-depth drawings, his creations never seemed to get off the ground. There was still much to learn.

The intrigue around flight persisted and several people tried oversized flying toys, gliders, and even fake wings. I enjoyed seeing how each person built on the work and knowledge of the people before them.

Eventually, the Wright brothers decided changing the wing shape would yield better control. Then, various engines were trialed until someone created what we now know as the jet engine.

The first flight from New York to Los Angeles took 48 hours, several planes, and made quite a few stops for fuel. I’m grateful flights don’t take that long today!!

As much as I liked watching these documentaries, they show how much we still don’t know. Yes, we have come so far, but there are still problems to be solved!

For me, these documentaries are also a revelation of God’s wisdom. It has taken us centuries to accomplish as much as we have collectively. No one person can really take credit for any specific achievement…

Yet God spoke creation into existence with just His word… instantly from nothing. And, He already knows how telescopes work because He created light from darkness!

Da Vinci, as smart and advanced as he was, could never quite figure out flight. Similarly, we ‘only’ made it to the moon a mere fifty years ago.

But God understands what we can barely fathom. He created hundreds of different types of birds—and our brains so we could explore all of these wonderful concepts.

Scientists recently captured an awesome picture of a black hole! We still don’t have all the answers about how black holes work, but the picture is certainly an amazing feat.

However, God knows all about black holes because they were His idea. He who made the stars set our world in motion, too. He created the universe, but we still aren’t even sure just how BIG it is.

All of our technology, skills, and knowledge will never match God’s infinite wisdom. Even so, we are not just a science project to Him. He loves us beyond measure… so much that He sent His son, Jesus, to die for us.

No matter what you are facing today, God knows all about it. The one who created the stars knows the number of hairs on your head. He is ready, willing, and able to help you solve your problems.

Only God can bring the breakthrough you need. His promises are sure and His word is true. Your breakthrough will come if you don’t give up. Trust Him!

**********
Heavenly Father, I’m amazed by You. No one compares with You, God. Give me wisdom and understanding, Lord. Help me see my problems through your eternal perspective. Give me the grace to trust You more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: What are your favorite documentaries? Are you trusting God for a breakthrough in your life?

Tasks: God has something to say about your problems. His word speaks directly about all sorts of topics, including fear, gossip, promotion, finances, marriage, loneliness, love, joy, peace, patience, and more. The Secret Power of God’s Word, by Joyce Meyer, can help you find a Bible verse which applies to your situation and pray about it!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Prayer, Wisdom

Insult and Injury

Have you ever felt like just when something got good, it all went bad?

Have you ever felt like just when God started moving, Satan came to steal it all away?

Our enemy wants nothing more to do than to get us off God’s path. He stirs up trouble using fear and uncertainty to make us second-guess what is going on. He lies to us and does anything he can to derail us. In the chaos, he steals, kills, and destroys. 

But don’t throw away what is good, all you have worked for and what remains. There is so much at stake, far beyond what we can see. If we don’t seek God’s Truth and perspective, we risk losing it all. Yet nothing is impossible with God. There is always hope!

He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).

Just about everything in life has the potential to turn sour. A job, a relationship, a home, a vehicle, your health, your plans, or your finances… It’s even worse when these things are all connected. It can feel like the enemy is winning.

Clearly, having healthy boundaries and making wise decisions is important. We have to take responsibility for our choices. We have ‘free will’ to make decisions, but we are not free from the consequences. Occasionally, the circumstances are out of our hands.

For many of us, the temptation is to live by our emotions—to worry about what went wrong or to blame someone else. We want the pain to go away, so we tend to either run away or retaliate. Don’t give in.

In some cases, we choose to move on and hope something better comes along. Yet avoidance can be confusing and depressing if we don’t deal with the problem in healthy ways. It can fester and often becomes worse.

When someone doesn’t meet our expectations, we take offense and want to get even. When we don’t get what we wanted or thought we needed or deserved, we understandably grow mad. Yet, we can choose to offer the grace of forgiveness.

Dear Friend, I don’t know what happened, but I know it hurts. Whatever went wrong, I wish I could take away your pain. I know it may feel unfair, but please don’t give up. Forgiveness is just as important for you as it is for the other person (or people). You can never grow past this if you do not release it and learn from it.

Life is full of challenges. When we get passed over for a promotion, we focus on our failures. When we take a financial hit, we try to figure out how to make ends meet. When our health is affected, we wish things were different. The more we think about the injustices, the more power they have over us. Still, we can choose to think differently.

Many times, we did everything right. What happened as a result is not our fault. But even if we do have legitimate reasons to be upset, we weren’t meant to live under the duress of insult and injury. We were made for freedom!

Our emotions are volatile. There are days when our feelings can change every five minutes! Take some space if needed, but don’t rush a decision. Wait it out.

Imagine what could happen if you stay still and don’t overreact. Your situation might be different than expected, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be turned around for good. Especially if God is in it.

Perhaps you’re going through something that is testing everything you thought was sure. The pain and sorrow are more than you can bear. It’s going to take a lot of patience and effort, but you are not in this alone—bring it to Jesus and let Him handle it. He sees the big picture; our victory is in Him alone!

By faith, do what you can to make things right and leave the rest with Jesus. He knows all about unfairness and can help you work through it. He provides for you, loves you dearly, and always has your best in mind. Forever faithful, He will make a way where there seems to be no way. Trust Him!

**********
Heavenly Father, thanks for Your constant love and grace. Help us to make wise decisions in the midst of trials. Give us peace and help us trust You more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What if all you’ve been going through will be used to strengthen you and even help someone else? Would that change your perspective and help you endure it? Would that change how you are dealing with it?

Tasks: When trials come, we want to take matters in our own hands, but don’t do anything you’ll regret. Life is short; don’t spend your days in anger or bitterness. Find a trusted friend and/or seek wise counsel. Take it to Jesus and let Him fight for you. God’s got this!

Posted on in Miscellaneous, Parenting, Wisdom

Doing the Right Thing

Monday was Earth Day! Of course, every day is a good day to celebrate our beautiful planet! For starters, I enjoy watching nature docuseries, like “Our Planet.” 

I also enjoy David Attenborough’s voice… 😉

There are lots of ways to take care of the environment and our surroundings. Some ideas include recycling, upgrading appliances, switching to reusable straws (or going without), and shopping at thrift stores.

We can turn off lights to conserve electricity, turn off the faucet to save water, and walk or ride a bike to save fuel. We can change our diet, buy less, or split large packages of food or toiletries, and share with our neighbors.

Planting a garden or tree, beekeeping, or putting up bird feeders and birdhouses are also ways to be proactive. Switching to online subscriptions instead of paper may also work.

Recently, Lydia’s school collected our plastic grocery bags for recycling. We had just read her National Geographic Kid’s magazine on how most plastics end up in the ocean and the damage it does there. Needless to say, I sent my fair share of plastic bags to the school. I’m also trying to switch to reusable bags when I can.

In the last week, since most of our snow melted, I have noticed a lot of garbage sitting in the back of my yard and just off my property. I don’t know if it is intentional or if it flies away before it can be contained. Either way, trash has been accumulating near the fence on my boundary line.

On Monday, I asked Lydia if she and a friend would pick up the garbage for me. I planned to reward them, but suddenly Lydia’s friend was nowhere to be found. Instead, I ended up going out there with her. She was glad not to have to do it alone.

“It’s fun doing this with you, Mom,” Lydia said. “But why do we have to pick up everyone else’s garbage? And why is no one helping us?”

She had a good point. It wasn’t fair, but I explained it was the right thing to do.
We talked about being responsible and what it means to be a good steward. I mentioned—and hoped—that other families were doing other good things to help the Earth, too.

Talk is cheap, but doing the right thing is always a good choice. We have to take action if we want to have an impact. Even if we are doing it alone. 

We have so many resources to manage. How we use our time, money, and energy are personal to each of us, but those results can make-or-break our character. We can’t afford to just do the minimum because our lives are all intertwined. Our thoughts, words, and deeds will eventually affect someone or something else.

Jesus’ death on the cross was by no means fair. However, through His death and resurrection, Jesus set us free to do what is right. Selfishness is no longer our default.

Now, we have the freedom to follow a new path, which includes self-discipline, stewardship, and serving others. Thank You, Jesus!

**********
God, thanks for creating such a beautiful universe and sharing it with us! You’re infinite wisdom and power are awe-inspiring. Help us take care of all You’ve entrusted to us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Did you do anything to “celebrate” Earth Day? Are you doing a good job stewarding your God-given resources, talents, and gifts? What needs to change?

Tasks: Check out these planet-friendly tips! Even small changes can make a big difference!

Posted on in Miscellaneous, Wisdom, Worship

Documenting His Love

I really enjoy watching documentaries. I enjoy learning about history, and sometimes watching a show is easier when tackling complex topics. I enjoy several topics and time periods, including health, nature, space, world history, travel, and more.

Plus, watching documentaries makes my exercise time more fun!

I enjoy seeing parts of the world I will likely never visit in person, including archaeological sites, museums, and artifacts. It is interesting to hear various viewpoints on a wide variety of topics. I learn so much.

Lately, I have been watching Bible documentaries on the Dead Sea Scrolls and the history of Jerusalem. With Easter around the corner, I have also been watching some documentaries about Jesus.

Of course, I don’t agree with every documentary, and I always watch with a healthy dose of skepticism. Sometimes I “argue” the opposite side, and sometimes, I learn something new.

Naturally, I am aware of biases. I can watch two different shows on the same topic and the hosts can reach completely different conclusions. While it is important to consider what other people think, it is vital to always check what the Bible actually says—it is and has the final Word.

Recently, I watched a docuseries on supposed Bible myths. The host was an “expert” but she kept presenting outlandish theories. It was as if she misinterpreted the entire pile of evidence to support her own views. She skipped the scriptures that prophesied Babylonian captivity as judgment for Judah’s sin, for example.

It angered me because it seemed she was abusing her authority to push her own agenda. She only picked certain verses and misquoted them. Then, she misinterpreted her versions of the quotes. She cherry-picked the historical data and archaeology, too!

This is dangerous for several reasons. We can’t make the Bible say what we want. It addresses all sorts of sin and tough issues. There are stories of heartbreak and victory. We have to take it as a whole and see the bigger picture.

Often, we are left with questions that require faith. But that’s okay. We can trust God’s character and His Word. We don’t have to have all the answers to walk by faith.

I’m sure there are people who watch these types of shows to learn about God or the Bible without actually reading the Bible for themselves. Sadly, they may walk away with a faulty view of God and/or who God says they are.

A couple of days ago, I watched an interesting documentary on the holy week— it focused on evidence and events from Palm Sunday leading up to Good Friday.

It was cool to see a map of ancient Jerusalem, the overwhelming size of the Temple compared to the community, and where the holy week events might’ve taken place. Overall, I thought it was helpful.

Still, all of these documentaries are missing one key point. I don’t know if it is intentional or just short-sighted… Perhaps the hosts don’t really know God? At any rate, they neglect to see the Bible events from His point of view. They miss the God factor!

If we only interpret events and research from our limited human perspective, we will miss God’s heart! He gave us the inspired words of the Bible because He longs for us to know Him and understand His love.

God’s ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours. We cannot possibly comprehend the full magnitude of Who He is. But thankfully, Jesus bridged the gap! When I understand all that Jesus went through, I can see how much God loves me.

It wasn’t the nails that kept Jesus on the cross—it was His great love for us. Before we were ever born, He thought of us and did what was needed so we could be together.

Documentaries certainly have a place. If done well, they can provide valuable insights. But we need to be discerning, especially with Bible documentaries. Learning about God and knowing Him personally are two very different things.

Thankfully, we can go directly to the Source! Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have instant access to the Maker of the entire universe! He is always with us and intercedes for us, too. We also have the Bible to read and the Holy Spirit living in us.

Because of Jesus, we can boldly go about our day with joy and peace knowing God loves us beyond measure. We can rest in His mercy and live in His grace knowing we have forgiveness for our sins. We can have confidence in God’s faithfulness, knowing He always keeps His promises! Thank You, Jesus!

**********
Dear Jesus, thanks for Your loving sacrifice and the free gift of salvation. I could never repay You, but I can live in Your grace with gratitude. Help me walk in the freedom You died to give me. In Your Name, Amen

Questions: What types of documentaries do you like? Do you have any special plans for Easter?

Tasks: Make a list of all the ways you perceive God working in your life. Document His love! For example, this can be seen through thoughtful gifts, kind deeds, and encouraging words. Share your insights with a trusted friend.

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

Peace Be Still

John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

He said this after he had already healed the lame, blind and sick; fed the 5,000 people (not including women and children); calmed the storm; and raised the dead. He had a pretty good record, but as I wrote last week, His disciples still did not believe.

I’m grateful for the peace Jesus gives. For me, it often means a sense of quiet and calm. Externally, peace can include having growing, healthy relationships and no schedule conflicts. Peace can mean “free” time and flexibility without rushing. For me, living in peace often comes at a slower pace. But that may look different for you!

Internally, I find peace means freedom from fear, anxiety, or worry. I can reject the idea that I have to make quick decisions or be someone I am not. I don’t have to please or impress anyone. Thank God, Jesus set me free!

When everything in my little world is tranquil, though, it can become unsettling if I fail to see it from God’s perspective. Sometimes, I take pride in what I have achieved…and other times, I am waiting for the next storm or catastrophe. But with Jesus’ peace, I can expect good things because He is good and He is with me and for me.

We weren’t meant to live in turmoil. Even in the midst of chaos, holy peace is the sense that everything will be okay because Jesus will make all things right someday.

This begs the question—how does the world give peace?

The world cannot give peace, because real peace comes from Jesus alone. Only Jesus can be our refuge and defense. To refocus on Him, sometimes it can be helpful to pause and unplug from the news, social media, or even extra activities.

As amazing as this world can be, all we see is only temporary. We were meant for more!

Without Jesus, whatever we seem to gain is at risk. If we put all our hope in what the world offers, we will only end up with empty promises. Any sense of peace we do have won’t last. Yet everything we have in Jesus is safe and secure.

Jesus’ peace comes with His presence. In fact, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, in the verse preceding this one. He never leaves us on the path alone. Sometimes, He clears a peaceful path and sometimes, He enables us to walk it as it comes.

Growing in the fruit of peace is a sign of God moving in our lives.

Jesus’ peace brings new purpose, despite any pain or hardships we may endure. He brings real progress, but never expects perfection. Our fulfillment comes from Him alone.

In addition to His peace, Jesus also protects us and provides for us. His promises are sure and His love is strong. As such, we can rest in His mercy, grace, and forgiveness.

I’m grateful we don’t have to perform or earn this free gift of peace. The world often expects something in return and leaves us disappointed. But only Jesus gives to us freely… Praise God!

Don’t go another minute without true peace. Trust Jesus and rest in His love!

**********

God, thanks for the free gift of salvation which brings us peace. Thanks for righting our wrongs and forgiving us. Help us extend grace and peace to others as we point them to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: What does God’s peace mean to you?

Task: Prayerfully listen to this song, “Peace Be Still.”

Posted on in Miscellaneous, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Don’t Stop Believing!

This week, I have been scribing John 14! Writing down the verses word-for-word helps me understand more of the story. I can almost imagine I was there in the scene, which helps me feel the intent and emotions behind the words.

You can read the whole chapter here for context, but the thing that stood out to me, is John 14:8-9, which says, “Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus answered: Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (my emphasis added)

When I read these verses, I detect a little bit of sadness. Jesus seemed hurt His disciples were struggling to believe in Him. They quickly tossed aside His message and miracles and started questioning His character. They second-guessed His intentions.

Jesus’ disciples didn’t understand His purpose. Nor did they realize the depth of His love that would soon send Him to the cross. I wonder if Jesus ever grew tired of always having to explain and prove Himself.

I find it a little heartbreaking in the next two verses, when Jesus says,
“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.” (my emphasis added)

It is easy to have faith when life is going well. We may even have ‘proof’ things are going our way. We say God is good—and indeed He is.

But, there is a danger if we only say, “God is good,” in the good times. God never changes (Hebrews 13:8), so even when our circumstances change for the worse, He is still good.

Of course, challenges are a part of life. Quite often, when troubles come, our doubts and fears are exposed. Our true motivations are rooted out and then chipped away from our remaining character.

Doubts and trials can certainly be uncomfortable, but it is normal to have questions about what we are going through. As long as we keep seeking Him, we will find Jesus.

He will give us the answers we need, and/or the grace to move forward when it doesn’t make sense. In fact, He can use this process to strengthen us, refine us, and redirect us. He turns trials around in our favor, too (Romans 8:28)!

In the past, cancer and grief threatened my entire view of God. At times, my doubts made me question God’s character and love. I thought, “How could God ‘allow’ Dave to get sick?” I knew cancer wasn’t from God, and in those 364 days, I learned He was not mad at me or punishing me.

Instead, He graciously showed me that I was seeing Him through my own faulty traits. There was a difference between who I thought God was and who He actually is.

God will not be limited to our human interpretations of who He is or what He does. He does not owe us an explanation. But He does ask us to believe in Him.

The next time you are faced with fears and doubts, come directly to Jesus. He is not turned off by your questions. He wants to show you the Truth about Himself and your situation.

Read His word and set your eyes on Him, not the problem. Remind yourself of His character and love. Remember all the ways He has been faithful.

Don’t let your doubts keep you from Jesus. Believe He is who He says He is. He is your defender and your righteousness. Let Him be your refuge. He loves you dearly!

**********
Heavenly Father, You are so good and faithful. I’m sorry when I doubt You. Help me remember Your faithfulness. You always keep Your promises! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Can you hear Jesus calling to you with grace and love? What is He saying to you right now? Will you draw near to Him?

Tasks: Listen to the song, “Your Love Defends Me,” by Matt Maher.

Posted on in Books and Movies I Like, Fruit, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Wisdom

Sweet Savings

We were walking into a store on Sunday when Lydia said excitedly, “Mom! When I grow up, I want a motorcycle and a truck!” Then, she added, “And, maybe a car.”

I don’t know what made her say that, but it made me smile. “Well, you’re going to have to work hard and save up for all those vehicles, though your dad would be proud!”

A few weeks ago, we had a conversation about finances in the car as we left the grocery store. I told her I’d have to update my budget when we got home, which prompted the topics of giving, saving, and spending.

Lydia told me all about how a savings account works. She seemed pretty confident and what she said made sense. I asked, “Oh, did you learn about that from school?”

“No,” Lydia replied. “From Little Critter.”

Trying to keep a straight face, I asked, “Oh, really? Which book was that?”

Lydia reminded me of when Little Critter (the character by Mercer Mayer) did extra chores to save up money for something he wanted. At the end of the story, he sees how much money he has and decides to aim a little higher and get something better.

I didn’t want Lydia to think I was laughing at her, so I tried to control my reaction. But, I was thinking, “Well, either I’m doing something really right… or really wrong!”

Then, a few days later, Lydia brought home a book from school about a little girl turning in the money from her piggy bank. I knew it was time for us to do the same.

Instead of an allowance, I give Lydia small tickets which are a creative way for me to avoid always having to have cash on hand. It has been fun because it is somewhat random.

Lydia doesn’t know what will earn her a ticket, so it is always a surprise. It is a very flexible system; some weeks she gets no tickets because we forget! 🙂

I usually only offer one or two tickets for doing extra chores (if any), but I gave Lydia 15 tickets when she got her braces. She was so brave!

I tend to reward quality work without complaining and other traits I want to cultivate. These include obedience, patience, kindness, gentleness, service/volunteering, and self-control. 

I’m sure we’ll adjust our system over time, but for now, it works well!

Lydia proudly combined the cash and coins from her piggy bank with her 92 tickets, which she earned since last summer. This is our first go-around, so we decided each one was worth a quarter. Whew! I owed her $23 and added it to her stash.

We opened the account together and have continued our conversations about money. For example, Lydia and I have been discussing wants versus needs. 

Lydia doesn’t know much about my budget, but she has been turning the tables and questioning whether or not I need something. It’s been a little convicting at times!

These are all good reminders that God cares about our money. He always provides well for us, but we are stewards of the blessings He gives us. Are we being faithful?

 It is okay to have nice things, but are we using our money wisely? Are we tithing to our church? Are we only meeting our needs or looking for ways to help others?

It matters how we use or resources, and it is important to have these conversations with our children. Thankfully, Lydia is learning valuable lessons early on.

It was good to put Lydia’s money in the bank for safe keeping. It wasn’t a lot of money, but it will grow over time.

God not only bought us back from death but He continues to invest in us. Sometimes growth is quick and easy, but often, it takes a lot of hard work and discipline.

It is okay to start small, but don’t delay. Both a handful of coins and our little efforts add up. We will see the benefits, however, if we do not give up (see Galatians 6:9).

Trust God wherever you are with whatever you have right now. He is faithful!

**********

Heavenly Father, thanks for Your faithfulness and provision. Help us to have the right attitude about money. Help us to use our resources wisely. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you more of a spender or saver? Do you have a budget and set financial goals? How do you honor God with your finances?

Tasks: Take a moment to review your budget. Praise God for His provision and pray about any changes you need to make.

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Wisdom

Finding Grace #159

I love 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 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 really good!

On both Sunday and Monday, I kept Lydia home from church and school. She had a bad cold and was coughing everywhere. I wanted to let her rest and keep everyone else from getting sick. Thankfully, I disinfected the house and did not get her germs. She is mostly better now.

I had several good meetings this week. I received some good input on writing projects and other goals, and I was able to encourage those around me, too. I felt productive and was grateful for God’s provision and direction. I’m grateful!

We had warmer weather and some days it reached at least 40 degrees! We walked home from the bus with no jackets. Lydia played outside with several of our neighbors. It was fun seeing them all again. It is fun to see how much each kid has grown!

The warm, sunny days are great for melting our mounds of snow, but it could bring flooding if it happens too fast. We still have lots of snow and my house is not likely to be affected. However, several families I know are on high alert. Prayers are appreciated!

This week, we enjoyed the beauty of God’s magnificent creation. This included the warm sun, blue skies, melting snow, and patches of grass poking through. We enjoyed the supermoon and the spring solstice. We even heard geese honking as they flew North. Welcome, Spring!

I’m grateful for how God always directs our path and blesses us. He is so good!

**********

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 Miscellaneous, Parenting, Wisdom

Bath Bomb Bonanza

On a recent Saturday, I was working on my laptop. I was focused on a big project and didn’t want to be interrupted. There was a deadline involved, and I was crunched for time.

I asked Lydia to read a book or find something quiet to do. Instead, she asked me if we could do a science project, using a kit she received for Christmas. She wanted to make bath bombs. It was more than I wanted to do, and I tried to redirect her.

Maybe she could color or read or do a puzzle…

A few minutes later, I heard Lydia rummaging around in the kitchen. She was only about ten feet away from me, and I sat with my back to her.

As I heard a cookie tray clanging in the cupboard, I walked over to check on her. In the past, I’ve let Lydia use a tray to contain everything from LEGO projects, marbles, beads, and more. But that day, Miss Independent had started making her own bath bombs!

In my best mom voice I said, “Lydia, I didn’t tell you that you could make bath bombs!”

With no delay in her response, Lydia replied, “Well, you didn’t tell me I couldn’t!”

True… but I thought it had been implied.

Nonetheless, Lydia was actually doing a good job reading the directions and putting the ingredients together. She had made a small mess but was trying her best to be clean.

So, in this one case, I let her continue.

On the one hand, I admire how Lydia jumps in to try new things. However, that day, I explained that I was not pleased she took matters in her own hands. I reinforced my role and set up some consequences.

As I coached her, it made me think of the times I do that too. I often ask God for help or for something specific, but how often do I then try to complete it on my own?

Sure, when it all falls apart, I’ll ask for help cleaning it up. But Jesus is not my fix-it guy.

Lydia loves to prove herself to me. As soon as she learns a skill, she thinks she is good-to-go in that area. She doesn’t realize there are different levels of learning before mastery.

She feels confident with any art project, especially if it uses paint, markers, scissors, tape, and/or glue. 🙂 She likes making simple meals. She also likes to “surprise” me by cleaning… sometimes without asking and usually on her own terms.

Lydia is not a defiant child. Generally, she tries to be helpful. A couple days ago, she even tried to take a bath all on her own and got upset when I said I was going to supervise. Safety first!

I’m grateful for a child who is so willing and able to do things on her own. But as a parent, I can see that we can accomplish so much more together when Lydia asks for help and listens. We can have more fun if she waits for me and follows my leading.

I’m also glad God’s love for me does not depend on my own merit. Thankfully, He loves me despite my messes and mistakes! Still, His boundaries are there for my protection.

This bath bomb experience was a good reminder for both of us!

**********

Heavenly Father, thanks for the lessons You teach me through parenting. Give me grace and wisdom each day. Give me strength to be both firm and loving. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you done any fun science experiments lately? Have you tried to do life on your own terms? How did that work out?

Tasks: Check in with Jesus before starting your next big project. Invite Him to be involved. See what His plans are first… He only wants the best for you!