Tag: celebrate

Posted on in Being Gracious, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Kindness, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #342

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Free photos of Autumn leaves

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

This was a busy but good week! We celebrated the first day of fall with some cooler temperatures. The colors of the leaves are starting to pop!

This week’s highlight was talking to my neighbors (new and old). I offered Lydia’s old jacket to my new neighbor for her daughter. It was a special moment, and I gave her a hug. She and her husband both thanked me a couple more times. Another neighbor had an important medical appointment, and I was glad to hear her good news. I’m really grateful to live in this community.

This week, Lydia and I both noticed Dave unexpectedly coming up with ‘random’ people. I had two people ask about my personal details, one Veteran and one nurse. I politely answered, and they were apologetic and kindly offered support. I appreciate the opportunity to talk about Dave and the Veteran especially identified with my loss. Then, Lydia had younger kids at the Y asking her what happened because one of our neighbors was talking about it. I don’t think they meant any disrespect, but it put Lydia on the spot.  I think it turned out alright, though it is still a little strange these conversations all happened in one week!

For my work week, I had a lot of fun teaching an inaugural class called “Eating to Reduce Pain and Inflammation.” We are affectionately calling this “ERPI” and hope this series is a turning point for our Veterans. Sometimes cutting back on unhealthy foods, or adding healthy ones, is not that exciting. But, we have found that pain is a big motivator in making healthy changes!

On Thursday, I picked up Lydia and her friends from Biogirls. It is fun to be the driver for a bunch of girls and listen to what they are talking about. There was a lot of laughter!

Really, Lydia had an exciting week all around. On Tuesday, she celebrated a friend’s birthday. She and others were invited to surprise the girl at her house and then stay for treats. Then, on Friday, Lydia took a school field trip to the planetarium!

Today, I was on-call for work. I did not have to go in, which is always a nice surprise. Either way, we had family come to visit and stay with Lydia just in case. It’s always nice to have company!

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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 Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #340

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Free photos of Landscape

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

This was a fun week! On Sunday, we had a fun time Zooming with family. It’s something I always look forward to!

Monday was Labor Day, and we had a good mix of projects and relaxation! It’s amazing what that extra day does to bring a reset. Thank You, Lord! 

Work was very busy but good overall. I played catch-up every day, with late notes piling up. Some of it was related to new work taking time away from the old. Or, answering pertinent emails and requests. But, my manager is understanding and was able to help with other things. I really appreciate her! Also, the work I did was personally satisfying because I knew I was helping people. Sometimes, doing the right thing just takes more time. Thankfully, I finally got caught up on Friday because next week looks busy, too!

On Thursday, Lydia started another round of Biogirls. This session is self-defense, and she is doing it with three friends. She has already shown me some of her new moves, and I hope she is able to remember them… and also pray she never has to use them!

Like many people, I was saddened to hear the news about Queen Elizabeth’s death this week. My dad’s mom was from England, so our family has always had a special connection. I saw in the news that there was a double rainbow above Buckingham Palace when she died, but also one at Windsor Castle and Balmoral Castle. How special! It was easy to assume she would live forever… although, based on her many statements of faith over many years, she is more alive than she ever has been!

On Friday after work, Lydia and I went to a friend’s housewarming party. We found out he and his wife are expecting a baby, so that is really exciting! They live close to us, and I am grateful we’ll be able to see them more often now. I’m also looking forward to getting to know his wife better (they got married late last year, and we recently met her).

Today, Lydia went to a birthday party at Four Star Ninja Academy, and I worked on some continuing education. Then, a neighbor helped me move some heavy items around the house. It feels good to accomplish big things!

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

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

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Worship

The God I Know

God’s grace is unique to our individual situations, yet there is more than enough for all of us combined. Have you ever thought about that? God’s grace never runs out, and He knows exactly what we need!

Yesterday, I had a busy day of work, where almost every minute was divided between at least two patients or meetings or tasks. For much of the day, it was difficult to decide where to focus! I just did “the next right thing” with a good attitude, and that’s all I could do.

Thankfully, not every day is like that. I just was coming in from the holiday weekend with a lot of work still left to do, on top of new work for the current day. So, naturally, I had a lot going on. I was grateful that God’s grace was covering me!

Free photos of Records judaszowe

On my way home, I heard a song on the radio by Love and the Outcome, called “The God I know.” It is fun and a little peppy, and yet, I found myself getting emotional when I thought about the lyrics.

“I can throw my hands up, worries down
I remember when He showed me how
To break up, with my doubt
Once I was lost, but now I’m found
No strings attached, when He saved my soul
I want you to know, the God I know”

God’s grace just hit me as I was reminded of how far He has brought me. To have a hospital job with a little stress is still better than the constant driving back and forth to the other hospital when Dave was sick. God’s grace was all over that part of my story, then, too, though I am glad it is in the past. (We still deal with the day-to-day stuff, but it’s not so traumatic now.)

God taught me how to challenge unhelpful thought patterns and break free from my fear. Actually, He did the most difficult parts, and maybe I was just along for the ride! I am so grateful. 

Free photos of Violet

Later, I read some online updates from various friends. I have seen a baby boom lately (including a couple of miracle babies), but I also have followed stories of parents’ grief and loss. Similarly,  I have seen health issues improve while others have deteriorated.

There is more than enough grace for each of these situations. Even good circumstances have their own challenges. God I know is still in control and lovingly working in each person’s life. I know He will take just as good care of them as He has of me.

When I say ‘the God I know,’ I am referring, in part, to my personal experiences of God’s grace. But ultimately, I am basing these words on Who God says He is, His character.

The God I know never changes. He won’t leave you hanging, though He may require you to hang on. He will never leave nor forsake us, and He always comes through for us. He is the God who saw us, stepped in to save us, and then invited us to walk with Him and live with Him.  Great is His faithfulness!

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God, I can never thank You enough for all You have done for me. May I live my life in praise and gratitude to You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: How have you seen God’s grace in your life lately?

Task: Listen to the song linked above. I hope it encourages you!

Posted on in Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #337

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

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

This was a good week as we eased back into normal life!! On Sunday, we were in Glacier National Park in Montana. We flew home on Monday after celebrating my fortieth birthday with friends. It was a fun and memorable trip, and I am so happy we went!

I returned home to a ‘Happy Birthday’ yard sign, a few cards, and some gifts in the mail. I have some thank you notes to write, but I am very appreciative! It feels good when people think of me. 🙂

On Tuesday, we went back to work and the Y! It felt good to jump in, and I felt refreshed. It was perfect timing because we had ‘The Joint Commission’ walk in to do their routine survey! They come about every three years, and we received a really good report!

On Friday, Lydia and I went shopping after my half-day at work for some school clothes. We only went to one store because the checkout line was so long. Later, we had one of her friends over. We ate tacos and sampled some ‘Crumbl Cookies’ that the friend’s mom brought over. Yummy!

Today, we slept in, made a few calls, mowed the lawn, and prepared for school, which starts next Thursday. In the process of going through winter gear, we cleaned out the coat closet! Now, we have some donations to make. It’s sad when Lydia grows out of items, but it’s also fun to buy new things!

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

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

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

Forty and Fabulous

Last week, Lydia and I spent a fun-packed few days in Missoula, Montana visiting some dear friends and celebrating my fortieth birthday! Birthdays just aren’t the same without Dave, so this year, I really wanted to do something special. I am very glad I did!

We went to visit one of my best friends, who happens to be one of my college roommates. Katie’s husband is like the big brother I never had, and her kids are both around Lydia’s age. It was great to reconnect since it’s been several years since we met in person! (This is the same Katie in my book, and we have had lots of adventures over time!)

We flew in on Wednesday and hung out that evening. The next day, we hiked the “M” and made it to the top of Sentinel Mountain and looked down in the valley at Hellgate where the pioneers came through. It took about four hours in the heat, but we had water and snacks to get us through. We saw some grouse, a redtail hawk, a hummingbird, and a few chipmunks! We also met an 89-year-old woman hiking with her son and some fellow North Dakotans! Later that afternoon, we went to Splash Montana, a water park with slides, pools, and a lazy river. It was the perfect way to wrap up our day.

Earlier on Thursday, we tried to get a reservation to Glacier National Park, but 500+ tickets were sold out in three minutes! It has been on my bucket list for a while, but in the past, it seems something has always come up. So, while I didn’t visit Montana just for Glacier, I really hoped to go. I decided just to leave it in God’s hands, knowing He could work out the details on my behalf.

Eventually, Katie found a boat tour at St. Mary’s Lake that would let us gain entry for Sunday instead. So, that gave us time to regroup and spend my birthday in another awesome way. Yes, on Friday, we went white water rafting!

After a special birthday breakfast, we rafted the Clark Fork River (Alberton Gorge) with Katie and her kids. Our twenty-year-old guide was very experienced, and no one fell out! We saw three beavers swimming and sunning themselves, as well as a few bald eagles and a huge golden eagle! It was absolutely breathtaking floating through the mountains. The only other time I had been white water rafting was on the famous New River Gorge in West Virginia right before I turned twelve. So, it seemed like a fitting way to celebrate my fortieth!

On Saturday, we attended a ladies’ self-defense class in the morning, and then we went ziplining through the mountains! The course was part of the off-season attraction at a ski resort. It was beautiful flying through the woods, and we had fun racing each other! That evening, some of the neighbors came over for a party! I made a charcuterie board and cheese board to share. It was so cool that one of the neighbors made a carrot cake and a chocolate espresso cake (as well as a cute mini version for me!). She enjoyed reading my book last fall, and so it was an honor for both of us to meet!

On Sunday, we drove three hours to Glacier National Park! It was even prettier than I imagined! We saw glaciers and fire damage, but also waterfalls, fields of flowers, bighorn sheep, and even a moose swimming! We swam in the icy river, too. Actually, the others went swimming, and I fell in while wading. But I think that counts, right?!

All in all, we laughed morning, noon, and night. We stayed up late playing games. We caught some beautiful sunrises and sunsets. We saw magpies, wild turkeys, burros, and a fox, among other animals. My legs are still sore from all the hiking we did, and I wore my swimming suit three of the days we were there! It was just what I needed!

We flew back on Monday, after a brief in Minneapolis-St. Paul. My car was dead, and I flagged down a kind lady who let me borrow her car to jump mine in the airport parking lot after I left the light on last week! We had to connect our two sets of jumper cables, but I was grateful for her willingness to help with no hesitation.

Well, this new decade is off to a great start! I wanted to make this one count, so I don’t look back with regret. It’s easy for me to get stuck in a routine and obligations. But, it occurred to me that occasionally I have to create my own adventure! I only have one life to live, and no one is going to live it for me!
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God, thank You for forty, fabulous years! Thanks for being so kind and gracious. Thanks for the beauty of Nature and dear friends. Help me to live with an expectation of Your goodness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: What adventures have you been on this summer? What is your favorite National Park?
Tasks: Live every day like it is an adventure. Look for ways to step out of your usual routine and have some fun. Walk freely in God’s grace and love!
Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #336

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Free photos of Flower

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

This was an awesome week!! I had a short work week, and then took off a few days to celebrate my fortieth birthday with friends. It was a lot to prepare for but, totally worth it!

Overall, it was definitely a memorable adventure! I will share more about it later, but let’s just say I knocked something off my bucket list! 😉

Work was jam-packed but good. I will have to catch up with charting next week, but I am not letting that take up too much mental space. I am still feeling relaxed from my birthday.

Thank you for all the birthday well wishes! I really appreciate your kind words and prayers!

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

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

Posted on in Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward book, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

Forty-Year Tune-Up!!

Woohoo! In a couple of days, I am celebrating my fortieth birthday! That sounds a little crazy because I still feel like I am twenty-five!

My thirties started off with Dave being sick and then dying, so the majority of that decade was dedicated to processing my grief and making sense of my new life as a widowed, single mom.

I learned how resilient I am and what it means to cling to Jesus. I quickly realized there are no shortcuts when it comes to emotional healing. You have to put in the effort, be willing to accept help, and let God carry you sometimes. The only way through is through.

One big part of processing my grief was writing about my journey here. So thanks for reading, praying, and cheering me on! I appreciate you all.

I also spent a significant amount of my thirties writing and editing my book, Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward. It was a labor of love, and I am proud that I finally pulled it off! I am beyond pleased with how my book turned out, and I really appreciate the continued support and feedback. Thank you!!

In short, my thirties were rough at times, but I learned to roll with the punches. God was reliable and gracious. He lead me to higher ground and has let me help others through their grief. I can’t thank Him enough!

Free illustrations of Watercolour flowers

Over the last year, I have been learning how to take better care of myself. This is an ongoing thing, which includes continuing to chase seven or eight hours of sleep, exercise consistently, and eating well. That’s all great currently, but in a couple of weeks things will shift again as we acclimate to the new school schedule. That’s life, right?!

This year, I went to the doctor for my toe (of all things, lol!). Later, I went for my routine physical and a couple of new tests. I found a chiropractor I love and now have a lot less pain, too! It’s like I have had a forty-year tune-up! 🙂

Really, I look at it as setting myself up for success. Not everything can be prevented, but I want to do what I can. That said, you can do ‘everything right,’ and something wild comes from out of left field. But, we can learn to trust God no matter what.

While I have been working hard, I have also been learning to rest more in God’s grace. Thankfully, He is patient with me! I am excited to see where He leads and how He continues to provide for me. He has never let me down!

Lately, I find myself smiling and laughing a lot. I have found joy in clarifying my priorities. It’s a balance of finding ways to care for myself and others, including Lydia. This also includes letting go of what doesn’t serve me anymore and not taking myself so seriously!

Over these last few weeks, I have enjoyed looking back and seeing God’s faithfulness. I am grateful for the Victories He has given me over these forty years, and especially the last ten years. He is so good!

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God, thanks for an amazing forty years! This is just a flash of time to You, but You are so kind to let me walk with You. Thanks for taking care of all that concerns me. Help me walk with more grace and joy in this new decade! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How has God been good to you so far this year? What Victories do you see?

Tasks: Take a few minutes to reflect on how far God has brought you in the last few months or years. Write it down so you can remember it! (It’s easy to forget otherwise!)

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

Finding Grace #332

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

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

This was a really fun week!! You can read some of what happened in Wednesday’s blog post, but the rest of the week was great, too!

On Sunday, we went to a dear friend’s baby shower. This is her first baby, and it is a cool miracle story. It’s not really my place to tell it, but it is wonderful to see God’s faithfulness in giving her what she has desired for so long. We had a lot of fun celebrating her and can’t wait to meet her little baby girl.

On Wednesday evening, we took care of our neighbors’ cats while they were out of town. We fed them and played with them. One is a Maine Coon, and the other is a Persian. They are as gorgeous as they are sweet! I sent a couple pictures to family, and my two-year-old nephew was so excited that he video called me! That was a first, and I was honored (even though it was a mistake). 🙂

We had beautiful weather this week, warm and sunny but not humid. On Thursday, we had a gentle rain, and everything greened up again! It was perfect!

Work went well, and I worked extra on Friday again. It gave me a little extra time to get things done, but I also saw a few patients. We also had a going away party for my coworker. We had some treats and enjoyed our time together. We will miss having her on our team, but we know she will do well in Colorado!

Today, we prepared for the coming week, and now a friend is over to visit. We might order some Chinese food and watch a movie, but it is always fun to see them either way!

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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 Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Personality

Radiant

This week, I have found myself laughing and smiling a lot. I don’t know that it is related to anything in particular, just lots of little things!

For starters, I had some great conversations with friends and family. The weather has been beautiful, and I noticed some lovely flowers in bloom. I took advantage of some good sales and had some fun memories pop up on social media. I am feeling strong after a couple of good weight lifting workouts… and, hey, I have had a good hair week thus far (#priorities). 😉

I have had some noteworthy patient interactions and received compliments on my skills! Also, one of my coworkers parked next to me, so we walked in together one morning. We have the same first name, and we sometimes joke that two Natalies are better than one! It’s just one of many fun things that have happened at work so far this week!

And, a couple of patient cancellations and no-shows gave me extra time to finish my work. Whew! Then, that gave me mental space to focus on some other things.

As I have had a little more time to reflect, the word RADIANT popped into my mind. Now, maybe your first thought is related to Charlottes’ Web, but I think of God’s glory, goodness, and grace!

Speaking of smiles and the word RADIANT, in a quick follow-up from last week, have you seen the pictures from the James Webb telescope?! Wow! I am in awe!

For me, the pictures are glorious examples of our Creator’s majesty. 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “…’No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.'”

Colossians 1:16-17 (NLT) says, “for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.”

Imagine what Heaven will be like!

I am sure God is tickled to let us in on this ‘secret’ of the universe… showing off His handiwork! You know, He has a wonderful plan, yet most of it is far beyond anything we can fathom. It’s mindblowing to think we only know a small part of all God is doing in this vast universe. Yet at the same time, He is right here with us. 

Psalm 34:5 says, “Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” Some days are tough, sure. But with Jesus, we always have a reason to smile! We can trust Him, and because He is in control, we don’t have to worry. Let Him show you His power and might. The one who plays with the stars like baubles holds you even closer!

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Wow, God, I am in awe of Your radiant majesty! Thanks for showing us a little more of who You are this week. Help us walk with smiling joy and excitement knowing You have good things in store! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: What is your favorite picture from the James Webb space telescope? (I love the depth and color of the Carina Nebula, but pretty much all the rest, too!)

Task: Check out this worship song from Hillsong United, “So Will I (100 Billion X).”

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

Finding Grace #331

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Free photos of Marguerite

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

This was week was really good!! We finished up puppy sitting, and Lydia finally understood why an adorable puppy is not in our future. They simply require more time and effort than we have to give right now. We did have fun, though!

Work was very busy, and I was able to work longer on Friday. I usually only work four hours going into the weekend, but sometimes I have the opportunity to stay longer. That means I can see patients, help my coworkers, or get caught up. This week, it was well-timed because there was much to do! Thankfully, I finished a few important things on my to-do list!

This past weekend, a beloved pastor in our community died suddenly. Pastor Cal was well known not only in North Dakota but also had an impact on ministers all over the world. He spent ~30 years at my local church but also led mission trips to Chicago and served elsewhere in our community. His visitation and funeral were on Wednesday and Thursday, with over 1550 people attending in person and over 2000 people watching online. It was amazing to see how much one person can have for Jesus when they live and love intentionally. He will be greatly missed!

On a personal note, I appreciate that Pastor Cal visited us, encouraged us, and prayed for us all those years ago when Dave was sick. He was always full of exuberant joy, but he did not have a lightweight faith! Pastor Cal’s funeral was the first I have attended at our church since Dave’s, which gave me mixed emotions. I was sad but also happy both of them are with Jesus, worshiping Him. I also know they are cheering me on. 

Today, Lydia mowed a bit while I did some weeding. Then, I finished the yard while she showered. It was only her second time, so I want to ease her into it! She’ll probably do all the yard once she gets better at it! 😉 Later, we ordered some pizza and are mostly relaxing after a long, busy week. Thank You, Jesus!

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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)!