Tag: Fargo

Posted on in Food and Nutrition, Fruit, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Words

A “Walk-By Fruiting”

Recently, I had a really funny patient who wanted to make some nutrition changes. He loves cooking and preparing meals for his family, which is good because he said his wife only knows how to order pizza for her turn in the kitchen!

This Veteran made me laugh and certainly had unique ways of saying things. For instance, he said that butter means love in his family. So, when someone makes potatoes or toast (or whatever!), they “add a little love.” He had been “adding a lot of love” based on his lab work! Yet, he had already made a break with butter by the time we met. He was still using some but had reduced it.

He also “had a feeling” for Baby Ruth candy bars since he associates them with comfort and good memories of his youth. Regarding my recommendations, the Veteran was willing to get rid of something else, if needed, and leave those alone. I was 100% okay with that since he is not eating too many.

Finally, he used the phrase “walk-by fruiting” to describe the little basket of fresh fruit in their walkway between the kitchen and living room. If he is hungry, he can grab a piece of fruit as he walks by! It makes total sense, right?!

March is National Nutrition Month, and of course, fruit is food! But, fruit is also used to describe evidence of growing closer to God and becoming like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Words matter, and I have been thinking of walk-by fruitings ever since!

Whenever I read my Bible or hear a verse from Scripture, I will think… walk-by fruiting! It’s catchy and encouraging! Whenever I reconnect with God during my day to find new strength… yes, that’s a walk-by fruiting!

I am also reminded that one of my friends had a funny word for extra food after a meal. Many of us call them leftovers, but he called them “remainders” like he learned when doing long division in math class. Spot on, really!

That is not too much of a stretch here. Jesus calls us to remain in Him; in doing so, we will bear much fruit. Just by staying connected, we can’t help but grow. Conversely, if we cut ourselves off, our faith will wither and die. It’s not really about doing more but resting in God’s love. Jesus has already done the most difficult work on the Cross.

Remaining in Jesus is a matter of the heart as we let Him position us where He wants us. So, let’s remain close to Jesus because we have Life and Victory in Him!

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Father, thanks for showing us new things daily through the people we meet. Open our eyes and hearts so we can learn and grow. Help us stay close to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Does your family have any cute sayings that have carried through the years?

Task: As you connect with God throughout your day, think about the growth that will occur over time. It takes diligence and intention, but I hope you are encouraged and keep coming back for walk-by fruitings!

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

Finding Grace #419

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 fun and a little unusual!

I took Monday off work to spend time with Lydia for her spring break. We ran a few errands together, and then I walked to Starbucks to meet a friend for coffee. We had a good chat, and she mentioned how grateful she was for my help as she’s been going through a difficult time. Then, I walked back. It was less than a mile round trip, but it felt good to be out enjoying the beautiful weather. It reached the 60s that day!

I worked my full tour on Tuesday but didn’t arrive at the office until 1 o’clock. That’s because I went to see three Veterans first. I went to a nursing home and two private residences in Fargo and Moorhead. The nursing home is very close to my house, so it made sense to start there. I noticed a goose on the roof, which made me smile to think it was guarding the facility! The rest of the day was spent charting, but I felt rather productive!

Wednesday was another short day since I had my taxes done before work. It was also RD Day, and we had lunch and a game for staff. This included trying to match fun facts with each coworker. We laughed a lot, and the two ladies on maternity leave brought in their babies so we could see and hold them.

Thursday was another lovely day, perfect for walking to the middle school for Lydia’s teacher conference. She is doing well and has received all good reports. It is great to see how she has grown this year! As a side note, someone confirmed Lydia is officially taller than me!

Friday was the last day of working extra hours. The last four months have been very good. But, I have been nonstop busy with patient care. I was grateful for the money and time to complete my work. But it will be nice to get back to my normal routine on MONDAY when the two dietitians return! We also had a new worker start, and we are all grateful to be fully staffed again!

Today, we were invited to a coworker’s house to visit. We took Sandy’s donuts and hung out with my friend, also named Natalie, her husband, and two little boys. It was fun to chat about all sorts of fun topics and see Natalie out of our normal environment! 🙂

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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, Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Worship

Happy Registered Dietitian Day!

Woohoo! March is National Nutrition Month, and today is Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist Day! When I think of my career, I always enjoy looking back on God’s faithfulness. In college, I saw how practical nutrition and dietetics can be at home and as a service to others. Everybody needs food – it can be both fuel and fun!

This year, RDN Day seems to have come a little faster. Perhaps that’s because my team at work has been extra busy with coverage needs. Time has flown by, but we made it! In fact, our two coworkers are coming back next week!

Returning to our former routine will be good, but I also look forward to seeing my friends again! They have been missed! Can you tell I am really grateful for my team? We are always eager to help one another, but we also laugh a lot and care about each other.

I am also so thankful for God’s grace and provision. When I was asked to cover the home-based role last fall, I was a little nervous about driving in the winter weather. But God worked it all out. Only one day out of the last four months had snow. That day, I saw two Veterans and got permission to go home early. Win-win!

Naturally, there are days when I am tired or not feeling excited about going to work. When I get stressed, I feel like I am short on time. I don’t like missing deadlines or feeling like I let someone down! Reflecting on this, I have noticed a couple of patterns.

If I don’t take time to take care of myself (exercise, solid meals, sleep), I feel run down, which can affect my stress and mood. On the other hand, I have noticed that if I do make time for self-care, I can have the same chaotic schedule and feel good – energetic even! Regardless, I often walk into work and see someone I know, and instantly, I am glad I came!

Free ai generated salad vegetables illustration

As with anything, I can commit my day to the Lord and honor Him with quality work. I can show compassion to the many Veterans with pain. I can be cheerful when patients are running late. After we finish our appointment, I can take time to direct them to their next appointment. I can be patient when someone gets frustrated with the changes they feel they should make. I can call to check if someone is feeling better or applying what we discussed. When appropriate, I can joke with my patients as a way to build rapport.

I like to dispel nutrition myths, though it would be nice not to have to! I also enjoy using analogies to show how the body works. Basic principles don’t change, but my job is to tailor the information to what the person needs individually. I love teaching people how food helps them operate and feel good! In doing so, I hope they have peace with food and grow to trust their choices. I love seeing them give themselves grace and make progress with their health goals.

Although it is tough work sometimes, I am grateful to work as a nutrition professional. I can see and feel God moving in my life, and that overflows into everything else! Occasionally, I meet someone open about their faith in God. In those moments, we can talk about spiritual food – a whole new level of health!

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God, thanks for shaping my career over the years. Thanks for letting me serve people in practical ways. Help me nourish them and point them to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Have you ever met with a Registered Dietitian? (That’s different than someone who took a ten-hour class over the Internet!) How can you see God at work in your life?

Task: Whatever you do today, consider how you can glorify God with your heart, soul, mind, and strength. In terms of nutrition, keep it simple. Remember these principles: balance of each food group, variety within each food group, consistency in daily habits, and moderation.

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Pivot, Worship

Finding Grace #418

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 Geese Pond photo and picture

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

This was a good week, and it flew by! I found myself praising God for many things, including less stress, beautiful weather, Lydia, His provision, and more!

Work went well and was very full—no surprise there! I needed to squeeze in an unexpected home visit and was grateful two coworkers volunteered to take a few of my scheduled patients. I love my team—they are all great ladies and helpers!

Beyond work, I did not feel overly stressed or rushed. I had plenty to do, but I could go slower and relax a bit. As a result, I had the energy to tackle a few small projects without hurrying. So, I feel really good about that!

The weather was great this week. We had a few flurries but no real snow accumulation. It was in the 30s and 40s, with a mix of clouds and sun. I am starting to see and hear a lot more birds, too. Spring is on its way!

Today, I was supposed to meet a friend for coffee, but she had to reschedule. So, while I was out, I ran some errands to pick up a few groceries and home maintenance supplies. I also did a little reading, walking, and played a game with Lydia.

Don’t forget Daylight Savings Time starts again tomorrow! Be sure to turn your clocks one hour forward tonight!

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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, Perseverance

Finding Grace #417

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 Reed Lake photo and picture

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

This was a fulfilling week in so many ways! It was incredibly challenging at times but I felt good how it all turned out. For instance, work was mentally taxing, but I did my best, was thorough, and did quality work.

I felt like I was taking an eight-hour test every day of work. I had my own patients, plus several others. I took care of those two new tube-feeding patients, covered home-based primary care, and helped cover the rehab unit. Today, I was also on-call and had a patient to see, so I returned this morning! He was very sweet, and I was happy to see him. Whew!

We had a blizzard on Tuesday, which meant Lydia stayed home from school. I had to go to work, of course, and had a busy day, as usual. Driving to work took twice as long and was an adventure, but God protected me!

My coworkers and I spent several hours preparing for a heart health fair, and I was concerned the weather would cancel it. Thankfully, it went on and was a success. We had a visual lineup of twelve foods with fat, ranging from olive oil and other plant fats to butter, bacon grease, and other saturated fats. It was fun to see the response and explain the differences. In short, plant fats (oils) are liquids at room temperature and don’t clog up the arteries, unlike saturated animal fats.

On Tuesday afternoon, I had two home visits, one in Fargo and one in Dilworth (MN). The weather wasn’t much better, but I made it home safely afterward. My driveway was full of snow drifts up to my knees, so I parked on the street. My hired snow service came overnight to clear away the snow. Much of the snow is already gone!

Thursday was Leap Day! I enjoyed a game of Qwirkle with Lydia at home, but earlier in the day, I had a timely conversation with one of my coworkers. Her dad is in the hospital, and I encouraged her. I hugged her and prayed for her on the spot, which I hadn’t planned to do but just was in the moment. It was so cool when she said she prayed, asking God for direction and encouragement today. I loved being His instrument!

I really enjoyed calling my parents last night. They are full of parenting wisdom, which I love to soak up! Otherwise, today has been mostly catching up and relaxing after the busy week.  Have a great rest of your night!

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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, Perseverance

Finding Grace #416

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 Heart Wooden Heart photo and picture

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

Overall, this was a refreshing and encouraging week! I did lose my temper at one point, and Lydia and I had to address some communication issues. We both apologized, chalking it up to stress and puberty. 🙂 Then, we hung out together, which also helped. Thankfully, we usually get along well, and we can continue growing together. Every so often, we need to be challenged; otherwise, nothing ever changes.

I always enjoy seeing and chatting with my family via Zoom on Sundays. We catch up, share news, tell jokes, and laugh. Sometimes, we share prayer requests, too!

On Monday, Lydia and I were both off for Presidents Day. It was a good day to get things done around the house, but we also relaxed a bit. We did a little painting for fun!

Work was good and flew by for the most part. That’s because I was extremely busy with patients and various things that popped up! I had full days of my own patients, but I also prepared to cover some home-based patients next week. I picked up two new tube-feeding patients from other hospitals and had a lot of related tasks. These included contacting dietitians and patients, discussing formula options, doing calculations, writing notes, printing handouts, ordering supplies, and notifying other staff who might need to cover my other work to squeeze them in when they come next week. Whew!

On my lunch break, I celebrated Black History Month by reading about John L. Canley, who earned the Medal of Honor for his inspiring service in Vietnam. I also watched a ceremony honoring the all-Black 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment (often called Buffalo Soldiers). In 1917, there were riots in Houston, TX, and nineteen of these soldiers were wrongly court-martialled and executed!! Many years later, it was determined that their sentencing was racially influenced and thus reversed. So, on Thursday, new headstones were revealed to reflect the normal details received with honorable discharges. You can read more here. 

Lydia had an orchestra concert on Thursday night, so we walked down the block to school. Seeing how much the 6th graders have grown in a few short months was fun. Lydia was a little nervous but did a great job. She plans to continue playing viola next year, so I look forward to many more concerts!

Today, Lydia and I did a ton of cooking. We made waffles for breakfast using a local mix we found while shopping. I roasted sweet potatoes and also prepared some soy curls, which I will use instead of chicken for fajitas. Additionally, we made some black bean and corn salsa, refried beans (dried beans and water only), and some chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies (the classic kind!). We’ll have some yummy meals over the next few days!

The weather has been soooo nice this week. It reached the 50s today, and Lydia went to the park with some friends while I sat outside and did some reading. It’s hard to believe it’s February, and our yard has no snow. Any parking lot piles are 99% smaller than normal! Next week, we do have a chance or two of snow, but it shouldn’t amount to much!

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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 Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Worship

Let Me Count the Ways

Happy Valentine’s Day! Do you have any special plans today?

Typically, I keep this day fairly simple, though I usually give Lydia a little chocolate or a token gift, such as jewelry or flowers. She loves little surprises!

Valentine’s Day can be difficult for some people. You may or may not have a “date” today, but either way, perhaps you can still appreciate all the different facets of love.

God is love, so we can look to Him to fill us with His love and let it overflow to others. Love is meant to be given and received, shared. As such, it takes work (even in the best circumstances). It’s not always a piece of cake or a heart-shaped box of candy!

Lately, I’ve been counting all the ways I see God’s love and grace in my life. (Remember the cottage cheese?!) I hope that by sharing them with you, you will be inspired to look for Him in your daily routine, too!

Free Leaves Frost photo and picture

So here goes! We got a little snow last week, and it is already melting! Perhaps Spring is not too far off, as I have heard more birds singing! I also saw a few geese in the river, which has been thawing intermittently.

I attended an online meeting this week. The host greeted me (and others) by name, which made me feel seen. It would have been very easy to say, “Hello, everyone!” and just move on. I actually felt like I was more a part of the team, even though I didn’t know half the people present!

I went to a home visit about an hour away for work. I enjoyed listening to the radio and heard several songs about God’s love. It was a peaceful drive, and I was glad to spend the time with the Lord… while getting paid! 😉

The two-hour round trip flew by, and I enjoyed the beautiful flat view. I am a Midwesterner, after all! It was such a sweet surprise to see two hawks and a bald eagle when it flew across the road right before me!

Later, I stopped for gas and used some store rewards for eighty cents off a gallon! I previously had trouble getting my account to work correctly, which is why they all built up over months. However, one of the store employees took the time to help me and explain why it all was disconnected. He also provided a phone number for more extensive customer service, promptly fixing everything!

Recently, I noticed a cute little heart in the bottom of a cup after I finished my drink. It brightened my day. Another time, I picked up some fancy bread from Great Harvest Bread Company. Oh my, it was divine! I’m calling that an extra bit of God’s grace… taste and see that the Lord is good! 

Free Thailand Leaves photo and picture

To clarify, all of the above examples are just a small sampling — truly, there are plenty of times when it doesn’t go my way. Even so, I can “count them all joy” because they help me lean on God all the more. It’s not all about me!

God’s love, mercy, and grace are endless toward His children. In fact, we are blessed to be a blessing. That means we can serve others with a cheerful heart and gratitude for all God has done for us. We can even choose to be inconvenienced so others can have it a little easier. Then, they may draw close to Jesus, too!

During another home visit this week, I met a Veteran who was still adjusting to his new home. He was having a difficult time but started beaming when I fixed the problem with his bedside radio. He loves classical music, and I hope it brings him a little peace.

At work, I took some difficult calls to help out a friend. On another day, I offered a coworker my (cleaned) earplugs to help her focus when construction noises interrupted her concentration. I took someone else a couple of Papa Murphy’s pizzas to help her during a rough time. I love my coworkers and count them as dear friends!

God’s love permeates all we do. His grace is all around us; it overflows in abundance. As you notice Jesus in your life, be sure to thank Him! You are perfectly loved, known, and accepted. There’s never been a moment where He left you alone.

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God, thanks for all the ways You love me! Open my eyes to Your blessings and help me share them with others. Help me point people to You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Where have you seen God’s love and grace in your life this week?

Tasks: Trace God’s blessings in your life this week, and then see how you can bless others!

Posted on in Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Worship

Trusting the Process

This week, I met with a patient with some gut issues. We’ve met a few times before, and he has changed his diet over time. Things have come full circle, in that some of the foods just aren’t working for him and his goals. He’s still having irritating symptoms, which tells me it’s time to try something different.

That led to me going deep into the molecular structure of FODMAPs, many of which are complex carbohydrates. FODMAP foods are typically quite healthy, but for one in seven people, they can cause discomfort. In those cases, it is often best to briefly reduce or eliminate these offenders to let the gut rest. Then, we slowly reintroduce them and see what happens. The ultimate goal is to be able to eat as much variety as possible.

So, I devised some funny ways to explain what was going on internally. Perhaps my on-the-spot bus analogy needs refining, but it made the point. 🙂 We strategized for his next appointment and discussed how FODMAPs are broken down in the body.

While general nutrition principles apply to everyone – think balance, variety, consistency, and moderation- each solution is tailored for the individual patient. FODMAPs, in particular, have many nuances and require a lot of skill and interpretation.

In some ways, nutrition is just common sense. We all know fruits and vegetables are good for us. But, my job involves rebuilding someone’s habits to reach their specific goals and needs. That’s one reason online searches for nutrition information can be ill-advised.

Premium Vector | Caffeine molecule 3d

When I came home, Lydia was doing a science assignment about molecules. Hers was a digital process where she added atoms in a school app to form various molecules. (Note one of my favorites in the picture above!) She does not know how most of these molecules and chemicals are used in real life, but she had fun learning and was surprised when I told her about my day. What timing!

I was reminded of the hours I spent in college putting little plastic molecule kits together with my friends. We spent weekends trying to cram all the details into our brains. It was a group effort in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry!

The experiences with my patient and Lydia caused me to reflect on my career, the people I have met, and all I have learned. It has not always been predictable, but I have landed in a good spot by God’s grace! 

As you know, Life is full of twists and turns. Some are expected, and some catch us by surprise. But God can and will use anything to achieve His purposes. His plans for us are always good. Even when that includes random molecular science kits.

Whatever you are struggling with today, don’t give up. Someday, you will see the payoff. In the meantime, remember that God is good and loves you dearly. Connect with Him along the way. He is always working things out for your good and His glory. Remove distractions so you can hear Him more easily and move quickly to obey. Trust Him and the process!

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God, thanks for guiding my journey. You are so faithful through the ups and downs, twists and turns. Help me trust and obey as You lead me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: As you think of your own journey, what similarities and differences do you see between then and now? Do you see any links along the way?

Tasks: Write down a list of all the ways God has come through for you over the years. Try looking back a few months and go from there.

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Kindness, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom

Finding Grace #413

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 Tree Leaves photo and picture

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

This was a good week!

Work was a little unpredictable but fairly normal! I ended up staying a full day on Friday to help cover. I had several patients where it seemed like God had assigned them to me specifically. I was able to encourage them and discuss topics beyond just nutrition. It felt gratifying!

The weather was in the 40s, and we might have broken a “heat” record for January. I think most of the snow is now gone, though we didn’t have much to begin with. I’m not holding my breath that it will stay like this. It is only February, so anything is still possible!

Lydia had an impromptu friend sleep over last night. They had a fun time and stayed up until after Midnight. They watched a movie, played games, and made some treats. I’m grateful Lydia has good friends. I heard a lot of laughter, which was music to my ears!

This afternoon, Lydia and I went to the theater to see The Chosen. Currently, Season 4, Episodes One through Three are showing! Each episode was very different, but so well done. There was a tragic shocker at the end… I recommend going to see it for yourself!

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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, Worship

Finding Grace #412

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 Road Trees photo and picture

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

This week was great and full of social interactions with friends, family, and blog readers. 🙂 Thanks for reading and sharing my post on Wednesday! I appreciate that something so funny and random as cottage cheese resonated with people! God is soo good!

Work was full but good! I had some really nice patients, and I had some encouraging conversations with my coworkers as we discussed ways to cope with stress. We reminded ourselves to take little breaks and take deep breaths. We shared jokes, memes, and links to comedians. We swapped appointments and covered for each other when we could. It really helps to know we are all on the same page.

The weather was in the 30s and 40s, gray with a little mist and ice. I don’t mind because it is such a change from our usual! This morning, I noticed some beautiful hoarfrost on my trees. Later, my neighbor was sitting outside on her porch, enjoying the sunny weather with her dog. We waved as we ran errands, surprised that at 37 degrees, it felt like we didn’t even “need” our coats!

This week was awesome in terms of checking in with people. On Sunday, we met with two sets of friends and then family over Zoom. During the week, my coworkers all connected, as I already explained. Then, I set up a couple get-togethers with friends, and one of my best friends called. We shared some of our ups and downs, and she really helped ease my mind. Then, today, I talked with family before Lydia and I went to enjoy coffee with the friends.

Tonight, Lydia and I are enjoying a movie and Chinese food for dinner! I might try a little painting, too. A perfect way to end the week. Thanks, Lord!

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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)!