Tag: obedience

Posted on in Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Wisdom, Worship

Doing A Good Job

It’s Olympics season, and it has already been a wild ride! I have not been able to follow along as closely as I would like, but I have been catching clips of various events.

It is fun to cheer for those who consistently win, such as Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and Katie Ledecky. But it is also fun to cheer for the underdogs.

You may have heard about the US Men’s gymnastics team yesterday. It has been many years since they earned a medal, but yesterday was their day!

People all around the world are talking about specialist Stephen Nedoroscik. He only came to the Olympics for one thing: pommel horse. Choosing him was controversial because he is not as skilled in the other areas and could possibly hurt the overall team score.

But yesterday, he aced it with a laser focus. He knew what he needed to do and came through with flying colors. I saw a quote where he said he was not bothered to be last. He looked at it like he could be an “exclamation point” at the end of the long day! That is a great perspective!

I can’t imagine how many hours and years of practice it takes to be an Olympian. But, I do know they have to keep showing up, working hard, and getting back on track over and over again. They know they have a job to do, and no one else will do it for them!

Free Old Gym In Hot Springs Fordyce photo and picture

As Christians, we also have a job to do, though it looks different for each of us. The main thing we have in common is Jesus. We are on His team and follow Him. But beyond that, He created each person for a unique purpose. I love that we are all different!

Yesterday, I also learned of the recent, sudden death of a lady who inspired me to move forward with my blog. In 2015, I had started writing blog posts in May, but didn’t go live until my birthday in August. That week, I attended a conference hosted by this lady, and I told her I was nervous to “put myself out there.” She validated my concern and encouraged me to go live anyway. I am so glad I did.

We cannot live to please others, only God. But, each of us can influence each other toward success. We cannot afford to waste time since so much is at stake. The comments and condolences on my friend’s social media page showed she did her job well. She knew she was on a God-given mission and went after it with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength.

When we don’t do our job, there are consequences—too many to list here! Of course, we never know when our last day will be, so we should always do our best and aim to finish strong. May we hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

I want to be known as someone who is dependable and who comes through in a pinch. I may not be the best at everything, but I can be the best at being who God made me to be. Even if I am still figuring it out! 😉

I may not have all the answers, but I can keep pointing you and others to the One who does. I can show up, pray for others, and encourage them not to give up.

We all have it in us to be good neighbors, friends, family members, and employees. We often don’t understand our impact until much later! Yet, our primary goal should be to bring honor and glory to Jesus, not ourselves! So, bottom line, let’s do our job (whatever that is) and do it well. We can trust God to take care of the rest!

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God, thanks so much for Your kindness in calling and equipping us to follow You. May we always do our best and serve you with joy as an act of worship. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What is your favorite Olympic sport to watch? Do you know your God-given mission in life?

Task: Create a mission statement for your life. Pray about what God has created you for and how He wants to use you. Then, seek Him with all your heart and do your best!

 

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Kindness, Miscellaneous, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Personality, Wisdom

Signs and Signals

I love to shop online, as it is often faster and easier. The items come right to my door! However, I also want to promote local businesses when I can. It is fun to see products in person and pick out the best option. Then, I can decide in the moment if it’s right for me.

Recently, I went to a few stores looking for specific things. I have to admit, I was a little annoyed when I showed up and saw they had summer hours. I have no problem with changing their hours if it is less busy during this season. The issue was that I didn’t know until I showed up! Often, the stores are out of my way, and so it felt like I wasted my time.

I parked, got out of my car, and then walked up to the entrances four separate times (one store twice on different days). That’s when I saw the sign that the stores were closed. I was irked because I looked up their hours online, but they were incorrect.

One of the stores posted that its hours had changed due to a family illness. I understand that, but I hope they can update their website soon and/or find someone to help cover while they heal. Another store has such random hours that it will take me a week to get back there since I work during the day. I took a picture of their sign and could possibly order from them online. But, the shipping costs are more than I want to pay when I could just pick it up.

Free Phone Confused photo and picture

Unfortunately, the signs on the doors did not reflect what I expected when I looked online. This happened all last week, so I started to notice the pattern. It was rather frustrating, though not the worst thing in the world.

I also thought of the signs and signals we portray to others. If we ignore people, they may not want to confide in us. If we grumble and complain, we may not portray our gratitude or the hope we have in Jesus. If we swear and yell at people, we may not reflect the grace God has given us.

Then again, people often make assumptions about each other anyway. We tend to judge and misjudge clothing, cars, lawns, and more! Someone who smiles often could be seen as joyful or like they have no problems! Someone who is quiet could come across as rude, socially awkward, or just shy. That’s why it’s good to try to understand and learn more about one another.

Clearly, we cannot live our lives to please every person we meet. That’s impossible and unnecessary. But, we can consider culture, circumstances, upbringing, personality, and other factors.

Overall, we need to do the best we can to please Jesus. However, it might be worth considering what signs and signals we are giving off. Perceptions are a two-way street! A negative vibe could turn away the very people God wants us to reach. While we can’t be true friends with everyone, we can be friendly and cheerful to anyone we see.

While it is not our job to save everyone, it is wise to connect with as many people as possible so they can meet Jesus, who does the saving! Ultimately, we can listen to the Holy Spirit’s signals and not worry about the rest!

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God, thanks for creating each of us uniquely. Help us grow in knowledge and understanding of those around us. Give us grace for one another. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you ever been misjudged? Was it all on the other person, or was there something in your control, too? Is there any situation you misread and need to reconsider? Is there someone to whom you could extend grace?

Tasks: Pray about your next steps this week. Consider how you can be more open with others and show them God’s grace, too! Forgive those who have misinterpreted your signals, as well!

Posted on in Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Personality, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Chasing After the Wind

For the past month or so, I have been diligent in taking a walk during my lunch at work. In fact, I have been walking most of the time and eating at my desk later.

It has taken me months to follow through on my original intention, but I am proud of myself! I finally decided that being active with a thirty-minute walk was a better mental break. Stepping away from my desk helps me reset and feel prepared for the rest of the day. I will eat something either way, but the walk has been easier to let slide. But, if I prioritize the walk, the rest will fall into place.

Currently, I am able to go outside most days and take various paths around the local neighborhoods. I take my phone, don’t stray too far, and make sure there are others around for safety. Sometimes, I go with a coworker. On rainy days or in winter, I can head downstairs to the little gym at work.

Historically, I have tried to exercise at home in the evening, but if something pops up unexpectedly, I may not get around to it. So, at least now I can feel good that I have already taken a walk. I don’t worry about it too much either way.

Free Lake Windy photo and picture

On Monday, I was taking my walk, and it was extremely windy and loud. I texted Lydia to check in instead of calling her because I didn’t think she’d be able to hear me clearly. Thankfully, she was able to grab our garbage can before it blew away like our neighbors’ did!

After that, I thought about the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19; the wind he faced must’ve been fierce! Then, there was an earthquake and, later, a fire. But the Lord was not found in those powerful forces. Eventually, He came in a whisper or a still, small voice.

Anyway, I decided to just focus on what God might be saying. I didn’t sense anything specific, but it was a fun experience filled with expectation in His presence. Because I was not too distracted, I noticed the trees blowing, a peaceful park, and some little kids who waved hello.

By Monday night, the thunderstorm had arrived. It rained for quite a while, and the next day, I noticed several sticks and larger branches lying around. On Tuesday, I really had to pay attention to avoid the branches, mud, puddles, and uneven pavement!

While I walked, another famous passage came to my mind from Ecclesiastes 1:14. This is when King Solomon perceived the futility of life without God is like chasing after the wind. Yes, so many people try to figure out life on their own. We are bombarded by “bright and shiny” things all the time, but really, there is nothing new under the sun.

I wonder how many times we are looking for the next exciting thing but overlook what God is doing right around us. Are we looking for what we think is best, or are we pursuing God’s best in Jesus? Are we chasing the fleeting wind or chasing Almighty God? Afterall, he is Master over the wind.

Let’s slow down and pay attention as we walk with God. Then, we will be able to understand His plan for us, know we are on the right track, and change course quickly, if needed. He can “blow” us where we need to go or protect us along the way!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for pursuing us with all Your love, mercy, and grace! You alone are worthy – may we chase after You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Questions: How have you connected with God this week? Do you have any nice walking paths where you live?

Tasks: If you find yourself chasing your tail or chasing after the wind, take a little walk or sit and listen for the Lord. He can be found amid noise and chaos, but chances are He will be waiting in the silence for you. Write down what you perceive He is telling you and verify it in Scripture.

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

Summer Simplicity

We are heading toward the end of June, and it feels like Summer is going quickly!

Lydia and I are having fun hanging out. We have tried a few new restaurants and taken several walks. We’ve checked out books at the library and watched a few movies. We’ve cooked together and enjoyed each other’s company. She’s going to camp in a few weeks, and we have one or two weekend getaways planned later.

Life seems so much simpler in Summer. You can go out without remembering heavy layers of winter gear. You can drive without too many delays (other than road construction!). Sometimes, the days are long, but that is a blessing overall!

When things are going well, sometimes we forget about God. If we are smooth sailing, we feel that we don’t need Him as much. Why does it take a crisis to make us draw close to Him?

Free Raspberries Blueberry photo and picture

It’s great to take advantage of the benefits Summer brings, but if we’re not careful, we can be just as “crazy busy” as we are the rest of the year! I, for one, am intent on enjoying my morning coffee outside and taking some long nature walks. I am eating lots of watermelon and berries, too!

Yes, it’s wonderful to be able to take it slow in Summer. But let’s also use it to regroup and reconnect with God. Summer means growth, so let’s grow in faith as we hone our spiritual practices. These include rest, prayer, worship, and Bible study (to name a few).

I don’t know what you have planned in the next two months, but if you need a sign to get a little R&R, this is it. 😉 Take time to sit with Jesus. Draw close to Him and celebrate what He is doing.

Find joy in the simple things. Go to the pool (or beach!) and swim in God’s grace. Put in the effort and see what He does next!

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Father, thanks for the gift of Summer! Help us take it in at Your pace so we don’t miss a thing. Restore us and rejuvenate us, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What’s been the best part of your Summer so far? Do you have any exciting plans?

Tasks: Set your intention for the remainder of Summer. Build in some time to rest and grow with Jesus.

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Pivot, Wisdom, Worship

Godly Interruptions

So much of our time is spent going from one thing to the next. We may have a little margin, but often, we don’t. If we’re not careful, we can lose our sense of direction and purpose.

If we are so busy all the time, it may be difficult to hear God, too. That’s why I am am trying to slow down and be glad when He interrupts my day. Even so, I don’t always recognize or appreciate those moments, but I am working on it.

On Sunday, Lydia and I had one such godly interruption as we were on our way to church. My friend is a mom of three kids under three, and she was very sick. Her husband had to work for a few hours, and my friend’s extended family was all out of town. She asked us to come help, and I immediately knew God was at work.

It was Father’s Day, but I told Lydia, “Sometimes we go to church, and sometimes we need to be the church.” We turned around and were on our way.

Free Bowl Broth photo and picture

I am so glad my friend asked for support and that we were available to help. She was so depleted she could barely move, so much so that the next day, she went in for IV fluids. On Sunday, I made her a little chicken broth and fed and changed the kids. Lydia was a big help in entertaining the toddler, and it was a good lesson in serving others.

We tend to ask God to do “BIG” things in our lives, but are we willing to do the little things He puts in front of us? If we are faithful in small matters, He can trust us when the stakes increase.

Are we available and flexible to move with God? If we hold tightly to our plans, we can have trouble changing them in a pinch. This may include giving a ride to someone in need; or meeting a friend to pray about a big decision; rescuing an endangered animal; or answering a last-minute call to volunteer.

Godly interruptions are like signposts that help us know we are on track. As long as we are willing to listen and be redirected, we can’t help but stay in step with Jesus.

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God, thanks for all the ways You lead me. May I embrace Your interruptions with grace. Help me spread Your love and kindness everywhere I go. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How has God interrupted you lately? Were you able to roll with it, or did you drag your feet?

Tasks: Build a little margin and flexibility into your schedule so you are available to be used by the Lord. Have grace when He interrupts your day!

Posted on in Gratitude, Little Free Library, Miscellaneous, Personality, Wisdom

Books and Blessings

Not too long ago, I went to the local library to renew my library card. It had been quite awhile since I’d been there as it is a bit of a drive to get to the middle of town. It’s a nice area, but I don’t get there often.

I love to learn; sometimes, my curiosity is off the hook! Just about any topic is fair game, and I have been known to get lost diving deep into a subject. Indeed, I love books, being around books, buying collecting books, and reading. I even have a Little Free Library in my front yard. I used some birthday money one year so I can encourage my community and neighborhood to read!

It only took a few minutes to renew the card, so I decided to stay and look around. I went up the stairs to the adult section. I saw the fiction and nonfiction sections, as well as audiobooks and several computers. Some books were highlighted according to themes, such as graduation and college prep, immigration, politics and elections, and gardening.

I stood in the aisles and skimmed several books before choosing three. I picked one on nutrition for gut health, which is in my usual genre. I grabbed a book on writing skills and prompts to get my creative juices flowing. Lastly, I found a cool book on walking with fun strategies for building healthy habits. I promise it was insightful!

Free Library Books photo and picture

I asked a few questions before checking out. Turns out, I could get up to fifty books at a time (50!!) and keep them for three weeks. I could renew them twice for three weeks each time. So, that’s potentially nine weeks of enjoying the books. With Interlibrary Loan, the options are endless! It’s also a bonus that I can return the books to the smaller library branch closer to where I live. And, the library card is good for five years. What a deal!

Seriously, I was giddy as I walked around the library, totally in my element! I get like this at the bookstore, too, but the library is free (though I do pay for the services with my taxes!). I kept thinking to myself, “I can’t believe I have access to all these books!”

When I got home,  I started to go through the books. I was a little sad I hadn’t taken advantage of the resources, but will try to do so more often. Libraries are great for the community beyond just books! And, I also saw a spiritual parallel. We have access to God’s infinite knowledge, wisdom, grace, and power. But, are we using them?

There are so many spiritual blessings, tools, and resources, and it’s a shame to miss out on all God has given us. First, and foremost, we have the gift of our earthly life with potential for eternal life through the gift of salvation through Jesus’s death and resurrection. We can access His power to live out our God-given purpose. We have God’s creative and resurrection power in us, special gifts from the Holy Spirit, and the mind of Christ. We have the use of prayer and fellowship with God and other believers.

Ephesians 1:3-14 says it best:

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[b] predestined us for adoption to sonship[c] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

11 In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Wow! God is so good. Let’s make sure to take full advantage of all He has to offer! There is so much at stake.

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Heavenly Father, thanks for all the spiritual blessings You’ve given us! Give us wisdom and understanding so we can take full advantage of them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you visit your local library often? How are you stewarding the gifts and resources God has given you?

Tasks: Make a list of all the benefits God has given you – in your life and spiritually, according to the passage in Ephesians above! Then, praise God and use them!

Posted on in Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Travel, Wisdom

(Not) All By Myself

This past week, Lydia and I met my family in Myrtle Beach, SC, for a fun getaway. Out of fourteen family members, some flew from North Dakota and Arizona, while the rest drove from Florida and Illinois.

My older sister and youngest brother carpooled overnight with their spouses and two little ones. My nephew, Alex, and niece, Lily, did very well on the sixteen-hour road trip and slept much of the way. 

As they rolled into town, my sister and crew were running errands to get a few groceries. The little kids tagged along. Lily is a perfect blend of sweet and sassy. She has a small voice, but she’s very clear on what she wants. She is a couple weeks shy of turning three but is already fairly independent. At one point, Lily climbed up into her car seat. She confidently proclaimed, “I can do it all by myself!“

However, because Lily had been sleeping earlier, the car seat was still reclined further back than usual. Thus, her short little legs were left dangling in the air. My sister giggled as she relayed the story to us. Especially when Lily quickly realized, “I can’t do it all by myself!”

Yesterday, I talked with a Veteran who is unwilling (or afraid?) to ask his family for help. I am grateful that my family is close and supportive, but not all families are!

The problem is that this Veteran could use a lot of help beyond what his healthcare team can provide. He is paralyzed with limited ability and resources. I encouraged him to request help grocery shopping, but he is determined to drive his electric scooter 45 minutes one way so he doesn’t have to bother anyone. Thus, he is limited in what foods and how much he can buy and transport, further impacting his health. I support his desire to be independent, but it seems his stubbornness is making it more difficult. 

Whenever I think back to Lily and her legs flailing around, I smile. But she has a good point. God doesn’t want us to do it all by ourselves. We were never meant to go through life solo, trying to make it all work out in our own effort. And, just like someone swooped in to help Lily into her car seat, God is eager to help us.

Sometimes, we move too quickly without thinking through the process. Or, we make poor decisions and are too proud to admit our mistakes. But if we get ahead of God, He is still able to help us figure it out. However, we have to humbly admit we need His help!

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God, thanks for always coming through for me. I’m sorry for the times I ignore You, thinking I can do Life alone. Forgive me and draw me close. I need You every hour! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Are you standing strong in Jesus or flailing about on your own? What will it take to let go and let God?

Task: Bring your weaknesses to Jesus so He can be your strength. Be willing to ask for help, and be willing to give it!

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

Praise The Lord!

Well, we made it past May 15th, and now I feel lighthearted again! Whew! Thanks, Lord! Suddenly, it feels like all is well. I can smile and sing a little more freely, and I can focus on other things again. 🙂

In other news, Lydia and I are making good progress reading the Bible chronologically in a year. We came across some of David’s last words in 2 Samuel 22, though they are also represented in the Psalms. It reminded me of a fun song I learned at a Christian summer camp as a kid.

I started singing the song, and had to share it with Lydia. Of course, I had to do the motions too, which happened to make us look like ninjas. It made her laugh so much, which I love. Maybe she will share it with her friends at camp this summer!

It’s funny how God’s Word and music can change our emotions and help us work through tough moments (or months, in my case!). Our emotions are indicators (signs) not dicators (telling us how to feel or think). God’s Word is Truth, and it has the power to change our lives.

We don’t have to live by our emotions! We don’t have to live in fear, stay sad, or harbor anger. We should allow them space so we learn from them, but then we can keep moving forward and let them point us back to Jesus.

Our emotions come from Him, and we can express them in various ways. All of them are valid, but they are only helpful to a point. If we offer them a place to stay, then they may take over. Instead, let’s see them as dear guests, just regularly passing through. Then, they can come and go freely.

Jesus, on the other hand, well, we can build our lives on Him! Our songs of praise and acts of kindness toward others can illuminate His goodness, grace, mercy, justice, peace, joy, etc. He is so good and worthy of praise!

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God, You are so worthy of all our praise! Thanks for all the ways You bless us. May we turn all our emotions over to You, and help us live for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What are your favorite songs that put you in a good mood? Do you tend to hold onto your emotions or do you release them?

Tasks: Sing, dance, laugh, talk, cry… it all counts. Praise the Lord!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Fruit, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Wisdom

A Secret Weapon

The last couple of weeks have been a bit…maddening. I’ve lost my temper once or twice and been a little grouchy. Some of it could be subconsciously being aware that the eleventh anniversary of Dave’s death is next week. But really, things have just built up.

At home, unexpected issues have popped up, including trouble replacing my screens after getting egged and picking up a ton of dog poop from my yard (though I don’t have a dog). Then, the fence at the edge of my property fell again (after a two-year fight to get it put back up). It’s just been a lot lately.

I’ve been tempted to have a little pity party, thinking things would be easier if Dave were still here. While that may be true, I know life is full of problems, so even then, something else would likely happen unexpectedly! I can be grateful my problems are not worse, and I know many people are facing greater trials.

Work has been busy as usual, too. Good, just not much downtime to think straight. LOL Thus, my patience has been a little short, but I have been trying to bring all these things to Jesus. I talked with my mom yesterday, and she reminded me that His joy is my strength!

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV

I recently heard Jesus was the most joyful person who has ever lived. In His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11)! But He also had a very difficult life. He was born to suffer and die at my expense (and yours!). If Jesus can have abundant joy despite His circumstances, so can I.

Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, which means He wants to grow that in me. The seed has been planted, I just need to cultivate it. This goes for love, peace, patience, etc.

Fruit is meant to be shared with others, to refresh and encourage them, similar to grace. As my mom pointed out, God wants people to see Him in us, so how we display the fruits of the Spirit matters. This is a good reminder to keep looking for ways to serve others and take the focus off myself.

Here are some questions to consider: Do I show joy or grouchiness on my face? Do I bring love and peace to a situation or chaos? Am I loving, kind, and patient even when I don’t get my way? Do I call out the good in others? Do I speak gentle words or bring wrath? Am I faithful even when it costs me? Do I show self-control when life flings out of control?

While I don’t expect my house issues to suddenly disappear, I know they will all work out in time. And I can choose to enjoy life in the meantime. I can find fun and creative things to do, or at least look for ways to bring joy into small moments of my day. Joy is my secret weapon as I stay close to Jesus, for therein lies my strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

When things feel out of control, I will take them to the One who controls the Universe and cares for me infinitely (1 Peter 5:7).

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God, thanks for the fruits of Your Holy Spirit. Specifically, help me cultivate more peace, joy, and patience as I work through these challenges. Thanks for all You do for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Out of the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit, which ones do you need to cultivate the most right now?  (Galatians 5:22-23)

Task: Next time you feel bent out of shape, consider why. Do whatever it takes to protect your peace and joy. Remember, people are looking for Jesus in you!

Posted on in Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Perfectionism, Personality, Pivot, Wisdom

Finding Grace #426

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 Sparrow Flowering Branch photo and picture

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

This week was a little humbling. It went well overall, like usual, but there were a few things that made me take a second look at my heart.

I won’t go into all the details right now, but let’s just say I lost my temper a couple of times. I spent several hours doing several house projects and yard work. I mowed the yard, set out my deck furniture, swept the garage, and more. I am capable, but this is really not my preferred area of expertise. It all takes a lot of effort and emotional energy.

I also had a challenging meeting at work. I faced a situation where I did my best and did it very well. But, it was suggested I do something else to go in a different direction, which I pointed out really made no difference. It seemed nit-picky, and I was frustrated because there are so many “actually important” things to focus on, like patient care. It turned out well, but afterward, I did a heart check anyway.

I questioned my motives and wondered if I was just having difficulty accepting feedback. But I don’t think that’s it. After some prayer, I realized why I was bothered: I am trying to move away from perfection. So, trying to improve something that really doesn’t need to be fixed seemed futile (there was nothing wrong to begin with!). In all, it was eye-opening for me, and I am glad I spoke up.

This week was also a big week for parenting. Just normal things, nothing too crazy. Lydia is a great kid, and I enforce good boundaries and respect. I am so proud of her and work to shaper her character, which sometimes takes some big discussions and discipline.

Today, Lydia and I put out a few items on the curb for “clean-up week.” A lot of it was good stuff but just not worth keeping or selling. It’s fun to see which items are already gone before garbage day next week! Lydia and I also threw some other items in the attic. She thought the space above the garage was so cool!

Needless to say, it feels like a long week. I took a nice bath and am watching a movie tonight. Thanks, Lord, for Your mercy and grace!

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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)!