Tag: encourage

Posted on in Being Gracious, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Wisdom, Worship

Out Of Darkness

Earlier in the week, I listened to an amazing interview that I keep reviewing in my mind. The person interviewed was Kat Von D, of Miami Ink and LA Ink fame. Back then, she was a mouthy drug addict and alcoholic. She reports she was miserable and hopeless, living in darkness. Yet, she still showed compassion toward her tattoo clients when they shared their purposes for getting inked (usually memorials related to grief and loss).

Recently, she received publicity for being baptized… in a small Baptist Church in Indiana. I saw the video and was glad for her. I viewed it as a testament to God’s grace and mercy. Sadly, many people questioned her authenticity – though she has been followed by cameras for over twenty years. She wanted to record it for herself and as a public statement of her new life in Jesus.

To me, Kat Von D came across as well-thought-out and sincere. Coming to Christ was not on a whim or only based on emotion. She looked at all the evidence of Christianity and made her decision. She even explained why she chose to attend a Baptist church. Basically, they accepted her immediately. Her pastor is a great teacher, and she is growing so much in her Tuesday Bible study with the older ladies. (I LOVE THAT.) The old hymns are simple yet profound, unlike going to what feels like a Sunday worship ‘concert’ where she is distracted as a songwriter. That makes sense to me!

Free Tattoo Hand photo and picture

It is to be expected that some of her old crowd would be upset, but even more awful has been the comments she has received from Christians telling her she’s not doing it right (of all people!). Let this be a lesson to all of us… it is damaging to turn people off before they ever meet Jesus!

Ms. Von D talked about how she was raised in a Christian missionary home but rebelled when her parents didn’t answer her doubts adequately. By age 14, she was on the streets and making poor choices. Still, she did not blame her parents and later said she was grateful to have that background because she remembered the Bible stories she learned as a child when she was at her lowest point in life. Praise God!

Eventually, she started to question if her life choices were on the path she wanted to be. She got sober and clean, and tossed her books about the occult. She sought Truth and found Jesus during the COVID-19 pandemic. She wanted to set a good example for her child, but she also wanted peace and found hope and new life in Jesus.

Later, Kat Von D shared how Jesus makes her a much better wife and mother. She said people would not believe how much she has changed, but it has been dramatic. She also explained how famous friends like Alice Cooper have helped her understand how to balance her personal faith and public persona. (Can you even imagine?!)

Each person who becomes a Christian undergoes a sanctification process, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Kat Von D is now a beloved sister in Christ, and it will be interesting to see how she changes over time. I may not agree with everything she does, but I would love to meet her for coffee! Either way, she has a big platform, and balancing everything in the public eye cannot be easy. She needs our prayers, not our criticism.

No one is perfect or gets it right all the time. We all struggle, but God created each of us to be unique according to His purposes. Who am I to say Kat Von D has to look like me or listen to the same music as me? I doubt she will change her mostly black goth look anytime soon. And, if God ever prompts her to change, that will be between Him and her. We are each accountable to Him first and foremost. (But, for now, I think she is beautiful!)

I was tearing up at various points in the interview. It was refreshing to get a snapshot of many topics, each one pertinent and practical for today. The interview was about Kat Von D being transferred out of darkness, but she and the host kept their focus on Jesus.

I’m grateful to serve a good and gracious God. No one is beyond His mercy and love. Thank You, Lord!

The kindness of God leads us to repentance (see Romans 2:4). Today, do not harden your heart towards Jesus, but come to Him with all your questions. He is so patient with you (2 Peter 3:9), but He will not wait forever. All Truth is His, and He will never lead you into confusion. Instead, He has the power and desire to set you free indeed!

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God, You are so wonderful! I’m in awe of how much You love us and how much You pursue us. Thanks for not giving up on me. Please guide us and make us more like Jesus. In His Name, Amen

Questions: What do you think about Kat Von D’s faith journey? Do you have any tattoos or plan to get any? What does/would it look like? (I don’t have any!)

Tasks: Listen to the interview here. I also posted it on my Grace and Lemonade Facebook site earlier this week!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward book, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance

Finding Grace #401

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 great week, full of God’s grace!!

On Sunday, Lydia and I attended a Scotland Forever orchestra concert. It was delightful, and I envisioned God as the Master composer and conductor of our lives. He is faithful and good!

On Wednesday,  I enjoyed talking with a couple of ladies. In each conversation, we talked about our faith journeys. It was so cool to see how God came through for them, and I was able to share my story and book with them, too!

It was a short work week because of Veterans Day (observed on Friday). Lydia and I had a relaxing day after some plans were canceled. We have had colds off and on, so it was so nice to not have a huge agenda. I did some gentle exercise and completed a few chores and paperwork, while Lydia read and played some games on her tablet. It was perfect!

Today, I had to work on actual Veterans Day. I previously traded with a coworker, and I am glad because I had eleven Veterans to chart on, and she is due to have twins any day! It was a lot of work to do solo, but I am glad she didn’t have to do it! It was an honor to serve these heroes today.

After working until 3:00 p.m. today (three hours longer than I expected!), I took Lydia to Chik-Fil-A. She has only been there once and was patient all week… and today, she was waiting for me to finish at work. It was nearly 4:00 p.m. before I had lunch! I had some crackers at work, but hadn’t thought I would need to bring lunch! Oh well, it all worked out just fine, and we went to Kohl’s to make some returns and do a little shopping afterward. 🙂

This week, I made some yummy dishes, which included a pumpkin chili, fresh cranberry applesauce, and a veggie tray! I love this time of year!

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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, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Wisdom, Worship

O Is For Orchestra

On Sunday, I took Lydia to a show at the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra. It was called, “Scotland Forever,” and featured an incredible bagpipe player. We listened to some songs from Braveheart, and a funny Orkney wedding song, and some Gaelic music. We wore plaid scarves and enjoyed ourselves!

I wasn’t clear on the difference between an orchestra and a symphony orchestra, so I looked it up online. Basically, an orchestra could imply different-sized ensembles, but a symphony orchestra is the largest type. It contains all the instruments to play songs with three or four-part movements (aka symphonies).

As I listened to the music, I was also watching the musicians. It was fun to see where the music was coming from. Lydia and I were closer to the violins and percussion, and I tried to anticipate when these instruments would sound.

Over fifteen violinists were playing the same music, yet each one of them played a little differently. Some sat still and just moved their arms. Others moved their whole bodies to the music! It was fascinating!

At one point, a percussionist had a little wooden block and hit it just once during the whole song. The other instruments built to this part, which was the climax before the next movement. It’s sooo simple, but the song would have been missing something without it!

Then, the percussionist returned to waiting until the next instrument was needed. He waited a long time, as did other musicians (like the oboe player with a solo… who knew?!).

The conductor was excellent. I’ve seen him before, and he is fun and engaging. He stands on a podium so he can see everyone, and they can see him. As he organized the musicians, he beckoned them to each play their part on time and then rest until it was their turn again. Some instruments played for most of the song, while others only had a tiny part. Yet, each was important, and the conductor included each one.

Timing is key with an orchestra and also where God is concerned. Listening to the music, I envisioned God as the conductor skillfully orchestrating our lives in concert with His master plan.

Each of us has an important part, but often, we compare our roles to those sitting next to us or those with different skills or tools/instruments.

God is both the Master composer and conductor. He can see all of us from His greater perspective, but He also knows the plan because He created it! In life, He organizes all our songs and steps if we pay attention and let Him.

We don’t have to feel bad if everyone around us has a bigger or more active role. Perhaps God is saving your effort for the most impact. Your part may be tiny, like a triangle, or maybe it is much more grand, like a cello. But, without you, it would be incomplete.

As lovely as the orchestra music was on Sunday, I am reminded that God’s plan is even more perfect and beautiful. We can trust Him to orchestrate our lives because He loves us so much!

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God, thanks for the gift of music. Help us understand the skills and tools You have given us and make the best of each opportunity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you play a musical instrument? If you could be an instrument in the orchestra, which one would you be?

Tasks: Pray about your current role (whatever/wherever it is) and ask God to help you see the big picture. Pray for wisdom to know when to jump in and when to rest. Be sure to keep your eyes on Him and listen to Him.

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Food and Nutrition, Fruit, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #400

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 Leaves Autumn photo and picture

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

This was a solid week with lots going on each night after work and school. And work was busy as usual, too!

On Monday, Lydia and I went to the chiropractor for routine adjustments. I’m thankful to have finally found a female chiropractor just a few minutes away. We go every couple months, and I feel much better physically than I did even a year ago.

Tuesdays are usually my blog writing days (well, nights), but this week, it was also Halloween. I had to shovel new snow in the early morning before work. (Most of it has melted!) Then, Lydia went trick-or-treating with a friend, while I stayed home to pass out candy and write. It was a good night, and we enjoyed some classic chocolate treats!

We had a good Wednesday night at church. My Alpha group talked about the topic of evil in the world and how we get distracted from God’s purposes. Lydia said the youth group topic was about dealing with fear. Timely topics all around!

On Thursday, Lydia had her first orchestra concert! It was a combined program with the middle school and high school (6th -12th grades, of course). I sent the link to my family, and it was so cool that they got to watch from several states and time zones. Lydia had a blast and can’t wait for the next concert!

Last night, Lydia and I made chicken fajitas and a delicious fruit salad after I got home from work and coffee with a friend. Then, we relaxed and watched a movie after a long week!

Today, Lydia is not feeling as well, so she is taking it easy. I am trying to get caught up around the house and also doing a little relaxing. I’m thankful for Saturdays!

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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 Being Gracious, Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward book, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Purpose in Provision

This week, I received a glowing performance appraisal at work, per usual. It was just what I expected because I do my best and the requirements are clear.  While I love what I do, and do it well, I sometimes compare my success or reward with others (even though I don’t have all the details to judge accurately!).

Instead of going into a downward spiral, I started thinking about all the ways God has provided for me, all the ways He recognizes or acknowledges me when others don’t. Sometimes, we feel we have everything we need, and sometimes, we feel lack. That doesn’t mean God is doing a poor job; perhaps we just lose our perspective occasionally. 

We may feel overlooked, forgotten, or unappreciated. It’s easy to focus on what someone else has or is doing and wish we had that, too. We want that friendship or relationship. We want the same chance or deal. We covet the opportunity, promotion, or the level of responsibility.

Often, there are hidden downsides to success. Just because someone looks successful doesn’t mean they appreciate it or have no other problems.

Free Mountains Forest photo and picture

I wonder how much time, effort, and skill it must’ve taken to get where that person is. In most cases, there are no overnight successes but just years of grueling labor.

Am I willing to do whatever it took for them to get there? These days, I’d say the chance is low, lol. I like my time and freedom! But if I do want to challenge myself, then I should start taking steps and learning now.

Flipping it around, I am reminded of what it took to get me here. It was quite the journey, and yet I am so grateful for all the ways God has shown up just for me…. with personalized provision for whatever I am going through each time. He is faithful!

In the off-chance that someone cheated or something truly was not fair, they will get what they have coming to them. It may take a little time, but God is just!

But, when life doesn’t seem fair, I remember that I am no longer of this world. I am a citizen of Heaven, and my Father knows exactly what I need. If there is any lack, King Jesus will soon make it right, so I don’t need to worry. His purpose for me is unique, so His provision is unique to my circumstances and environment. 

God’s purpose and provision are linked! I don’t need to compare ourselves or feel less than. If I stay close to Jesus, I will be right on track and have everything I need.

Free Mountain Banff photo and picture

I have a beautiful house, great neighbors, and an awesome family. I also have a job I feel was crafted just for me. I have favor with God, my manager, and my coworkers. Each of us has different qualifications and responsibilities that match. Each of us brings positive energy and a host of skills to our strong team. I just happen to work part-time with a nearly full-time schedule. I mentor others at work, and I am still available when Lydia needs me.

If my particular skills aren’t always recognized or rewarded, maybe that’s a good reminder that they are not the most important thing. I am called to serve, not gain attention. If there is something I need, God will make sure I get it in due time. (Psalm 84:11).

In fact, read John 21, paying attention to verse 22. Jesus wants us to focus on our own relationship with Him because our mission flows out of that. The best thing we can do is stay close to Him.

There are several things each of us can do while we wait. We can show up with a smile, do our best, and be honest. We can practice self-care (making sure we are eating well, moving a little, and sleeping enough). We can honor those around us and love them like Jesus. We can cultivate peace, joy, and contentment, along with gratitude and patience. Character counts!

Fear, self-centeredness, and lack seem to run together, don’t they? Instead, Jesus showed us how to live with an outward-focused, faith-filled, abundant life. Whatever purpose He has for us, we can be confident it includes His peace, preparation, and provision. He always comes through for us and knows exactly what we need!

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God, thanks for Your peace and provision! You take such good care of Your children. Help us remember You prepare us and provide for us according to Your unique purposes for us. Help us use all our strengths for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What are you doing to invest in your future? Are you complaining or planting seeds?

Tasks: Next time you feel slighted or overlooked, remember all the ways God takes care of you. Make a list if you have to! Remain close to Jesus. He is so good!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #399

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 Fall Avenue photo and picture

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

This week was relatively low-key. It was busy with a few surprises but mostly routine.

On Monday, I moved the deck furniture inside in anticipation of wintery weather later in the week. I moved the benches, patio table, and chairs into the garage. I also took in my windchimes so they don’t crack in the icy cold.

While my dad helped me with a dozen house projects, I found one more that needed some work. My garage door needs a new piece of weatherstripping. I asked a neighbor for help, and he special ordered the item for me since it is longer than the standard. When it comes in a couple of weeks, he will help me install it. Thanks, Lord, for good neighbors!

Speaking of neighbors, Lydia and I met some new neighbors renting the house directly across from us. We took them some cookies and answered some questions about the garbage, recycling, and snow removal responsibilities. They are from Idaho, but I hope they feel welcome!

Early Friday morning, we received the first snowfall of the season! I’d say it was less than an inch and was mostly just slush. October snow is early but not necessarily unusual. Right now, it is quite pretty and may melt off before we get more!

Last night, Lydia and I made a recipe that she picked out. I want her to develop her cooking skills, and it was a little more complicated than she realized. We had fun working together, and the cheesy pasta dish (with veggies and panko topping) was delicious!

Today, I went to a church retreat! It was fun to hang out with people who love God. We talked about the Holy Spirit, and I ministered to a friend who sat at my table. The food was tasty, and then our team won the minute-to-win-it style games! It was a nice way to relax.

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

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

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

Help On the Homefront

Lydia and I were so thrilled when my mom and dad came to visit last week! This was the first time they’ve been here since they moved to Florida, and it was a joy and an honor to host them again. My parents are so wise, fun, and just plain cool. They are good examples of hard work and perseverance, and I look up to them!

Mom and Lydia hit it off and did a little shopping. Mom also encouraged Lydia’s musical goals and also reinforced some of the life lessons I am teaching her. I appreciate she was there to plant seeds in Lydia’s heart – and to back me up on some key topics! She is another wise voice who can speak life and truth to Lydia. I am so grateful.

I had a small list of things I wanted input on, mostly minor repairs. The list quickly grew to about a DOZEN different things, but my dad helped me complete most of the projects in just a few days!

As a single parent and homeowner with no family nearby, all of the responsibilities come to me. I make all the major decisions for my household on my own, and while I am comfortable with that, it sometimes weighs on me. It was so nice to set that all aside last week and have help with figuring things out. I thoroughly enjoyed my dad’s “kid in a candy store” excitement at going to Menards since they don’t have that home improvement store in Florida. He really misses it, apparently! 😀

Dad helped me look up some regulations about a fence adjoining my property and helped me craft an email to the City. With his background in construction and inspections, he knew where to find the information I needed. He also gave me some ideas for landscaping and a small painting project next summer. I took notes so I can remember!

I asked my dad for input on my gutters, new weatherstripping on my garage door, and paint for my little free library. I did a little maintenance on the library before I put on a new coat of red paint! This will set it up well for the winter, and hopefully, the wood will stay in good shape for many years.

My dad added a few washers to the track/drawer in Lydia’s dresser drawer. Somehow it got warped and has been a problem for about ten years! I have tried and tried to fix it but never noticed the problem like he did. In fact, we accomplished more in a few hours than I have in weeks or months…. even years. I aim to keep my house and yard in good repair, so finishing these tasks was a BIG relief!

What’s more, Dad found some other things to fix that weren’t on my list! He suggested I trim my three backyard trees. I bought a new little bow saw and went to it. He then added a new bolt to the gate on my deck. I tried fixing it last year, but I probably just didn’t choose a long enough screw or bolt. He also fixed the sliding glass door and screen, both of which have never worked that well. He also fixed my microwave door and tightened up a few parts. It’s as good as new!

God wants us to be good stewards of the resources He has given us. In fact, Jesus wants us to build our lives on Him, but sometimes we need a little hands-on help in our actual houses. (Read Matthew 7:24-27)

Indeed, it was a special blessing that my parents came, and I am grateful for all the help on the homefront! Everything will work much better now, and I can take a little mental break from home repairs!

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God, thanks for the gift of my parents. Thanks for their wisdom and guidance, as well as their help and encouragement. Help us steward and share the gifts and resources You have given us for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you handy with tools? Do you enjoy working with your hands in practical ways, or do you prefer abstract ideas? What is God asking you to steward well?

Tasks: If you have any fall or winter house tasks that need to be done, now’s your chance. In Fargo, the weather is changing rapidly, with potential snow on the way!

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

Finding Grace #398

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 Autumn Leaves Ilse photo and picture

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

This week was wonderful and relaxing, though I got a lot done! We Zoomed with family on Sunday, which happened to be my mom’s birthday. I always appreciate time with family… and mine is pretty cool!

Monday was the only day I worked, but it went well. I took the rest of the week off to spend time with my parents! They came to visit on Tuesday and headed back to Florida today. We had an amazing time!

My dad helped me with quite a few house projects, some that I have been trying to figure out for years. We went shopping and enjoyed eating out at some new restaurants. We watched several episodes of ‘The Chosen,’ too! It was the best week with them.

Tonight, Lydia was invited to hang out with a friend, so I had some free time! First, I did a little cleaning and exercising. Now, I am watching a movie!

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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 Being Gracious, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting

More Meaningful Multicultural Moments

“Mom, this is another letter that starts, “Greetings from Paul!'” Lydia said. I had to laugh a bit, as she’s been reading a lot of the Bible’s New Testament lately. The Apostle Paul did write quite a bit of it, namely in letters to believers in various cities. He interacted with several different cultures all over the Mediterranean region!

I was still thinking about this Saturday night when we attended a birthday party for an African boy in Lydia’s grade. These are the immigrants we met last year at the bus stop – and the very first thing I asked them was if they had snow gear!

In full disclosure, I was so happy to be invited, but I wasn’t quite up for going. It had been a long day with a delivery, phone calls, laundry, and feeling crummy from my flu shot the day before (for work). I was tired.

Nonetheless, we wrapped up a couple of LEGO kits and decided to go for a little while before returning home. However, I knew leaving early could be a bit of a challenge because of certain cultural differences regarding time.

Free earth world planet illustration

You see, I am prompt and hate to be late… but sometimes others consider time differently. The invitation said 5:30 p.m., but the mother told me to come “anytime after 6 p.m.” So, we decided to go right around 6 o’clock and were the third family to arrive.

The younger brother (fifth grade) started to answer the door, but he ran away before opening it to tell everyone, “Lydia came, Lydia came!!” Then, the younger sister (third grade) came and peeked out the window as well. She also squealed and ran to get her dad, who thankfully opened the door. Seeing their excitement, immediately, I was glad we came.

They gave us a tour of their new house, having moved from a small apartment a few weeks before. My friend and some other ladies warmly greeted us as they made fried rice. Many of these people also work in healthcare – highly qualified doctors, nurses, and CNAs. Some of them are immigrants, as well.

Within a few minutes of arriving, I smelled the delicious food and forgot I hadn’t felt well for much of the day. I decided to stay awhile, especially when my friend introduced me as his “first friend here in Fargo who welcomed his family.”

Later, I ate some goat meat stew, jollof rice, as well as seasoned beef and chicken. I chatted with a high school student who happens to play the viola. I’ll be sure to look for her when she and Lydia’s schools have a combined concert in November.

Free Jollof Jollof Rice photo and picture

This girl’s mom took a while to warm up to me. She questioned if I had ever had African food before (yes, I have!) and made some other comments. Perhaps she felt like I was invading her cultural safe zone. I did not take offense, as it’s likely she’s experienced much more discrimination than me. Thankfully, we soon bonded over some drinks, and by the end, she offered to share her food with me. 

Two hours later, we finally decided to go. I thanked my friends and hugged them goodbye. I waved to everyone else, and they all seemed grateful we came. It was a fun night, and I carried the weight (impact) of it home with me!

The next morning, I received a text from the family thanking us for coming. They were “especially surprised” that we stayed the whole time. 🙂 I’m so glad I decided to stay.

I’m sure the Apostle Paul felt like this sometimes. Looking for commonalities with people who were so different. Having awkward conversations at times and some misunderstandings. Hitting roadblocks but bonding over food and faith. Bringing the Good News of Jesus to everyone he met. These nuances require compassion, wisdom, and persistence.

Isn’t God good?! I love how we can always lean on Jesus. When He is present, nothing else matters as much. Not only are we His ambassadors, we can become brothers and sisters in Christ! All around the world, His love changes lives… and we are conduits of His grace.

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God, thanks for all the ways You love us. Thanks for creating so many different types of people. And thanks for opening up a way for people all over the world to know You, through Jesus. Help us bring Your light everywhere we go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you ever had authentic African food? Do you enjoy trying new things?

Tasks: Next time you are invited somewhere new, go and stay awhile. Try new things and don’t be the first to leave. Perhaps look at it as being on mission for the Lord. Be His ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20) and share His love!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Personality, Wisdom, Worship

Keeping A Quiet Heart

There are a lot of heartbreaking news flashes lately showing videos or commentary on war, genocide, diseases, and more. Israel, in particular, is important for Biblical reasons. Conflict in Israel indicates Jesus is coming again soon and that we need to keep praying. No one knows the day or the hour He will return, so don’t delay your decision to accept His sacrifice and atonement for our sins. Today is the day of salvation!

While I can “change the channel,” those directly affected cannot. I don’t take any of that lightly, but focusing on the news can prime me to expect more negative things to happen. But all is not lost. God still reigns, so I can keep a quiet heart and remain at peace.

Keeping a quiet heart is not about self-preservation. Instead, it helps me pray and listen to the Lord, so I know how He wants me to help.

On a personal level, my prayer list grows longer every week. For instance, I recently met a couple battling colon cancer, and I can understand how overwhelmed they are with surgeries and setbacks. I know how it feels and have been reaching out to encourage them in practical ways. 

It is a privilege to be relatively safe in America, and it’s an honor to pray and help those around me. We are right to be concerned. But I find myself sometimes waiting for the other shoe to drop. The perceived stress of expecting something to go wrong can sidetrack us if we don’t stop ourselves from worrying.

Free Sunset Eve photo and picture

When things go well for me personally, it feels boastful to enjoy them amid so much pain in the world. I should celebrate meaningful work, worthwhile conversations, and even good hair days, but sometimes, I neglect to appreciate the peaceful moments.

I was a little convicted of this yesterday on my drive home. Life can change in an instant, as many of us have experienced. There are already so many ways things can go bad; we really should honor the moments when things go well because they don’t last.

Yesterday afternoon was beautiful with a bright blue sky, little wind, crisp air, and bright yellows mixed in with green and brown hues. I had a good lunch, awesome patients, and arrived home before traffic got too bad. Lydia and I had a fun evening together. A wonderful day with minimal stress.

Soon, I realized God wants me to enjoy the life He’s given me and all of its goodness. It’s not that I shouldn’t pray for conflict resolution or lend a hand. Peacemaking is so important, and God values it! But peace in the world looks different than peace in my heart.

I can’t afford to focus on the negative because that will drag me back toward fear. Instead, I can turn my eyes in faith toward Jesus and the abundant life He died to give me. That is what attracts people and points them to God’s lovingkindness. 

Free Ocean Sea photo and picture

In fact, there are many ways we can live a godly life. Sometimes, we need to speak up and advocate for change. We may need to donate time, money, or effort. But, we can also smile, praise God, and be kind. We can relish all He has done for us with gratitude. A good attitude shows God’s faithfulness and grace to a world in need.

Conversely, a negative spirit or sharp tongue can hinder God’s work. I know a number of Christians who often complain and are bitter toward others. They are stingy and always look for things going wrong (which is why I want to catch myself and look for the good!). Surely, that’s not what God intended for His people!

Anyway, God has done many good things for me/in me/through me, and I know He can do so much more in the lives of those around me. In fact, that’s why Jesus came! He rescued me from deeply rooted fear, so imagine what He can do for you.

I’m not saying to avoid involvement in politics or the causes that matter to you. I am simply saying don’t overlook the impact living a full and joyful life can have. God can use both fiery resolve and a peaceful, quiet heart to accomplish His purposes (see 1 Peter 3:3-4). Both have great value amid the world’s pain, darkness, and destruction. Nothing is impossible for Him!

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God, thanks for all You have done for me. Thanks for helping me see the beauty of a life well-lived. Help me to celebrate and enjoy all of the goodness around me. May I advocate for those in need and glorify You in all I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you jump right into conflict, or do you watch and pray? Do you find yourself living life with joy or with hesitation?

Tasks: Celebrate when things are easy and fun, but also praise God when challenges come. There is joy and growth in both situations! Finally, put your trust in Jesus today. He is the soon returning King!