Tag: strength

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Kindness, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom

Love One Another

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” — 1 Peter 3:8, NIV

Recently, Lydia and I were talking about growth. She pointed out how she can’t ever tell how much she is growing until she wakes up and her pants are too short. Or, when she hugs me and she suddenly is above my shoulder. True story…she’s getting taller day by day!

My dear sister-in-law, Stephanie, is a new mom. I really enjoyed meeting my sweet little niece in July. Now, of course, Steph has been up all throughout the night. So, she’s had some extra quiet time to think… and I can already see growth! Steph posted something profound to her own social media account, and I asked her if I could share with you.

Here’s what she wrote:

“Having a baby has no doubt been rough, as anyone can imagine, but it has also been rich in lessons. When babies fuss and cry, we understand that it’s because they’re tired or hungry or in pain. Sometimes they’re just fussy. We don’t judge them. We don’t shut them out. We sympathize with them and try to soothe them.

As we grow older, we get so lost in our own world that we may be too quick to judge others when they are less than joyful. When we’re hungry, tired, not feeling well, or in pain, we’re irritable. We then tend to shut them out instead of understanding where they may be coming from. We should work on our understanding and patience and even celebrate successes, no matter how small or trivial or delayed they may seem in comparison. Let’s work on loving one another, taking care of one another and supporting one another.”

Thank you, Steph! We go to great lengths to protect and prepare our children for life. Indeed, parenting is a refining process. I am proud of you and all you have already learned. These days are tough, but they will get better soon.

 I really appreciated those wise words, especially in light of the last few days, weeks, months, and year. I hope all is well in your life, but chances are, there are some parts that need Jesus’ help and healing.

It’s okay to disagree with someone, but can we please treat them with compassion and understanding? Can we show even a measure of the grace and mercy we need, too?

There are many hurting people right now, considering COVID-19 (and all the competing viewpoints and losses), the earthquake in Haiti (plus tropical storms), wildfires, and the complete Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.

Amid death, destruction, and loss, people may feel frustrated, afraid, sad, helpless, grief or distressed. In some situations, it is common to feel angry or betrayed. There is likely to be an increase in mental health symptoms like PTSD, depression… and even avoidance. There are many questions, and to start, I have seen mixed reactions with the Veterans I serve.

Regardless of what you think (or think you know), can you put that aside for a moment and put yourself in someone else’s shoes? Can you imagine how they may feel? Each of these situations is beyond a simple solution. But, the next generation is watching how we handle these circumstances. You can make a difference now and in the future.

It might require some painful stretching and growth, but your attitude, prayers, words, and actions speak volumes. This may include donating some money or resources, or calling a friend or neighbor to check on them. This also may include keeping your mouth shut and honoring someone else’s preference. Be kind and considerate. Love one another.

Let’s demonstrate the love of Jesus to a world in need. He is our only Hope!

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God, thanks for being our hope and anchor when chaos comes. We know You are sovereign, but still, many people are hurting. Please bring Your peace and give us steadfast hearts. Lead us and help us grow. Help us love one another. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How are you doing this week? How can I pray for you and lift you up?

Tasks: Take a moment right now and pray. Lift up our world in prayer: Afghanistan. Haiti. Pandemic crisis. Wild fires. First responders, legislators, armed forces, missionaries, men, women, children, family, friends, neighbors, coworkers. (If you feel led to help, consider donating money to your local church or Convoy of Hope, a reputable relief organization.)

Posted on in Being Gracious, Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #284

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

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

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

This was a good birthday week! It was a short work week, which included some chocolate cake and ice cream. I feel so grateful to have caring coworkers!

I also took off some time to host a guest. It had been awhile since she visited, so Lydia and I had fun showing her around our community. She left this morning, but it was nice to spend time with her!

Last night, our guest wanted to go to the Pyrotechnics Guild International finale show. This event rotates through Fargo every few years. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I was up for it, since fireworks events go so late. They are cool from a distance, but the booming noise and flashing lights aren’t my favorite. Nonetheless, I agreed to go and it was fun. We didn’t get home until after midnight, but it was an adventure, after all!

Today, we did a little cleaning and laundry before we relaxed. Later, we went to a park so Lydia could show me some skills she recently mastered! I’m grateful for the ebb and flow, some busy days and some easy-going days!

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

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

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Wisdom

Mirror, Mirror

This week, I am celebrating another birthday! While I usually am a little contemplative beforehand, I have been so busy lately that my birthday kind of snuck up on me!

Not to worry… I still have time to reflect on the past year and decide what, if anything, I want to change for the coming year. Also, we have some company coming, so I am sure it will be a fun day! At the very least, there is a restaurant I have been wanting to try!

This year, I would like keep chipping away at small goals and tasks, such as organizing my house better. Also, I’d like to prioritize self-care (more than I do now) and finally get adequate sleep (more than just a few days of 7+ hours). Oh, and I’d like to have more unstructured free time with Lydia (not using it to focus on housework and such).

Ok, that sounds like a lot! One thing I have realized is that I can’t do all that without God’s help and leading. And really, none of those goals amount to much if He’s not a part of it.

Indeed, I came across the word inertia lately. It was being used to describe someone’s personality, as in it takes a lot to move the person to action. I thought it was an interesting connection, and I can see a little bit of that in me. It can be a good thing, but not always.

When God tells me to stay, I can handle that alright (though there can be challenges). But when God tells me to move, and I am slow to do so, I have to move past the inertia. So, you can imagine my own frustration when I also have a lot of personal goals! 😉

It has been said, “The more things change the more they stay the same.” Recently, I have been thinking back a few years to times when I met similar goals with more success. And, I noticed that I had the same struggle with inertia back then!

The difference was I had more energy (and desire) to make the changes required. Now, I have grown past the insecurities I had back then and don’t care as much! Haha!

In some ways, it has been like looking in a proverbial mirror. I am surprised, but also comforted to see more evidence of how God designed me just so. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and I can trust He has a good plan for all my quirks! I don’t have to change everything… I am already loved perfectly.

While we have to take action and keep moving forward, we also need God’s direction and wisdom. Yes, growth requires stretching and a fair amount of grace and mercy.

Ultimately, I am so grateful for all God has done in my life this past year. As long as I am listening and going where He wants me, I will be fine. 😉

I know He has more good things in store for me!

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God, thanks for bringing me through another year.  Please continue to refine me and make me more like Jesus. Help me be a good reflection of Who You are. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: As we move closer to a new season, how have your goals changed? How have you seen God’s grace in your life lately?

Tasks: Meditate on James 1:22-24. Make changes accordingly.

Posted on in Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Travel

Like Ants or Amoebas

This past week, Lydia and I flew to Chicago and stayed overnight with my sister’s family. Then, we all drove together to northwestern Ohio to see family for my aunt’s birthday. The party was fabulous, and we loved the dueling pianos!

It was extra special since it was the first time my parents and all my siblings have been together in close to three years! We are now spread out over several time zones, plus we have work and family responsibilities, which can be a challenge to show up all at the same time and place. I’m grateful for calls, texts, and Zoom, but meeting in person is best!

On our way back to Fargo, I let Lydia have the window seat on both flights. She loves looking out the window, and in a small way, I am shielding her from potential trouble by keeping her tucked out of the way. She really enjoys watching earth fade away and then grow close again. The picture above shows Lake Michigan and beyond!

Monday was a beautiful, sunny day, and we watched the lush green Ohio countryside grow into a patchwork quilt of trees and farmland. It was so pretty. We watched river and lakes shine back their reflection to the sky. Stunning!

We saw whole communities spread out before us. We even saw tiny little cars driving along the road. Lydia and I both agreed they looked about the size of ants! 

Then, we had a cool conversation about God. We talked about how people are even smaller than cars, and we wondered just how tiny we must look to God. If you watch this video (below) from the airplane, you’ll see a couple tiny cars! 

Isn’t it cool to think about? God is SO much greater than us, and as our Holy Creator, He so far above us. Heaven is far beyond our flight pattern! Yet, at the same time, God is right here with us. Before us, after us, within us, all around us. Mindblowing!

Our problems really must seem insignificant to God, yet He still cares about every little detail of our lives. Perhaps my problems appear like ants… or microscopic amoebas to God! No worries, He’s got this!

Indeed, a good vacation can remind me that my problems aren’t that important. Time away doesn’t make problems disappear, but when I return, I see they carried on just fine without me! Still, I am grateful for the break!

Jesus ascended in the clouds, and that’s how He will return, too. Whatever problems are on your mind today, trust God. He rides upon the wind and speaks peace to the waves. He calms the storm and controls the weather. He sustains us and takes good care of us, too!

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God, be praised, forever and always! Thanks for the reminder that I don’t have to handle all my burden on my own. God, thanks that You are with me and for me. Help me keep my problems in the right perspective. Help me trust You more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: When going on vacation, do you prefer to drive or fly? Where is your favorite place to visit?

Tasks: Consider how great our magnificent God is and how small we are. Watch this video by Louie Giglio about our awesome Creator and Father and Sustainer.

Posted on in Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting

When God Stretches Us

Sometimes God stretches us and it is painful. But often, we grow and stretch without even realizing it. Either way, if we look for His grace and purpose, we will be thankful.
Case in point: Lydia’s first time away at Bible camp was a hit!! At first, I wasn’t sure about sending her a couple hours away, for three days, since I haven’t been there before and it’s the most time we’ve spent apart.
It was a stretch, but, I knew it would be good for both of us.
I’m grateful for the drivers to and from camp and for the leaders giving their time to invest in Lydia. I dropped her off at our church on Wednesday and she came home last Saturday. Four other girls and two boys went, too. Lydia knew the girls, but I was hoping they would grow closer together.
Lydia loved the speaker, Kyle Jorris, and said, “He does great sermons, Mom!” Lydia was able to tell me some of the lessons she learned, which included the Holy Spirit, as well as God’s heart for the lost.
Lydia also said, “He’s so cool, Mom. He was raised by clowns!” He really captured the kids’ attention with balloon animals, magic tricks, puppets, juggling, and riding a unicycle. Wow!
More importantly, it was so cool when Lydia showed me the extensive notes she took. She learned some new praise and worship songs, too! I’m looking forward to hearing more about all God did in her heart in the coming days.
Lydia had fun with the Olympics sports theme, and while her team didn’t win many races, they did receive bonus points for sportsmanship and being helpful. 🙂
When asked about the food, here is what Lydia said: “It was amazing, I don’t want to eat anywhere else, it was sooo good.” The banquet last night was her favorite, followed by pizza, cinnamon rolls, and chocolate chip pancakes on various days. Yum!
I received a bunch of pictures with friends from camp enjoying various activities. All smiles! And, she’s excited to see her friends again at church. Plus, she met a couple new friends from around the state.
When asked if she missed me, Lydia very sweetly said, “Not really.” To that I said, “Same!” I think we both meant: “Sure, we missed each other, but we were having a lot of fun and weren’t overly sad.” 🙂
This was a great learning experience for both of us. For Lydia, it was a chance to exhibit responsibility and make some decisions on her own. For instance, she came back with a fair amount of the money I sent, though she also bought some snacks and stuff from the store.
As a dietitian, I secretly loved when Lydia said she thought one of the treats was too much sugar for her, so she picked something else. Some money went to the offering, too!
For me, it was a funny thing to think, “Does she know how to make her bed with the fitted sheets?” Or, “Does she know not to leave her wet clothes and swimsuit in her suitcase?” Or, “What happens if she gets homesick?” and so on.
All the things we don’t think about as parents! But, it was definitely a good mom-check to see if she has learned what she needs to know up to this point.
I have already seen Lydia grow in confidence and independence. It seems the stakes keep going up as each year passes. Our dynamic is currently strong, but it takes work. Besides that, Lydia has already realized many of her school friends think and behave differently than her. Having Christian friends in her life is a must!
Similarly, this time apart was good for me. I didn’t have much down time, unfortunately, but it was good for me to practice trusting God with Lydia’s safety, her spiritual formation, and for everything outside my direct influence. And, it was a good reminder that, really, she’s His kid first!
Finally, I’m glad I listened to God’s leading and “stretching.” He always know just what we need. As always, this has been good practice for what the next few years hold. As Lydia learns and grows, we both will need to rely on the Lord at a deeper level.
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God, You are so good! Thanks for teaching us more about Your love and grace this past week. Thanks that we can rely on You at all times. Keep stretching us, Lord! In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: Did you go to summer camp or as a kid? If so, what was your favorite part? How is God stretching you today?
Tasks: If you feel God stretching you this week, lean into it. Embrace what He wants to do in your heart and life.
Posted on in Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Prayer, Wisdom

Quit Spinning Your Wheels!

Have you ever felt like you are just spinning your wheels and getting nowhere fast? Perhaps you are not making progress on your goals due to always being on-the-go, running from one activity to the next. Or, maybe you don’t know which path to take next. Life is full of tough decisions, and sometimes we have to quit what we are doing to regroup. 

This week, I had an interesting conversation with a friend about such decisions. Nothing unusual… just choices that carry weight and impact.

These include decisions regarding finances, education, volunteering, and relationships. Unfortunately, she’s been so ‘busy’ she can’t think straight, and people keep asking her to be involved in activities that are draining her of time, energy, and peace.

Of course, since I am older, I have faced similar circumstances in the past. Each time, I learned invaluable lessons which prompted a new level of growth and maturity.

Examples: Boundaries and the word ‘No’ are powerful!

My friend will have to make her own decisions, of course. I simply mentioned how important solitude had been for me, especially in college when I was trying to make so many of the same decisions.

Being alone is scary for a lot of people, but solitude is different than being lonely.

For me, solitude is taking time away, so I can quit spinning my wheels. Then, I can figure out how I really think and feel. Solitude brings clarity when I am confused because it eliminates the extra noise and distractions. Then, I can weigh the pros and cons.

It took me awhile to be okay with solitude, but it has served me well over the years. Spending time alone has helped me know who I am and who I am not. I have gained insight on my priorities and what I enjoy doing (versus what I happen to do when others are around). Pausing every now and then has helped set the trajectory for my life.

In some ways, solitude primed me for dealing with grief when Dave died because I understood how to pay attention to my feelings and not run away from them. In part, solitude taught me that uncomfortable moments do not last forever. Sometimes, we wish they would hurry on by, but we can grow to appreciate those awkward times, too!

In my case, I am never truly alone because solitude also involves connecting with God through prayer. It may include making lists or taking walks in nature, too. Or, perhaps it is an act of solitude to leave work an hour early to sit in the daycare parking lot and journal while listening to music. Yes, solitude is a part of self-care.

Solitude does not mean isolation…. or being alone forever, avoiding other people or their input. It just means hitting the brakes and checking the map to see if you are heading where you intended, or if you need to redirect.

There is no badge for busyness or skimping on sleep. Don’t let other people dictate what you do in life… you are responsible for your own happiness.

Jesus Himself was known for taking time away to spend with His Father. He relied on that quiet time to listen and gather His thoughts. I wonder what happened in those intimate moments between Jesus, His Father, and the Holy Spirit!

Perhaps getting away helped Jesus to refocus on His mission and renew His strength. Either way, He relied on God’s help to accomplish all He did!

These days, I don’t have many opportunities to “get away,” but I am reminded just how vital solitude can be. These skills take time and space and effort, but thankfully, God is always with us! He never leaves us nor forsakes us. He can bring solace in solitude, if only we quit spinning our wheels long enough to listen!

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God, thanks for being our Friend and Guide! May we pause in solitude and gratitude, inviting You to show us what to do next. May we receive Your best. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you enjoy being alone, or do you merely tolerate it when needed? How can you apply the idea of solitude for making decisions?

Tasks: If you have some big decisions ahead of you, take some time to clear your head and pray. Tune your heart to what the Holy Spirit may be telling you. For further reading, check out this article.

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #277

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 flew by. We were able to Zoom with family on Sunday, and we got to see my new little niece, Lily. She was sleeping, of course, but it was fun to see her anyway!

Work was super busy this week, and I spent a lot of time catching up from last week. My phone was ringing off the hook, and I was covering for a couple of other people. I prayed and asked God to direct my steps. Thankfully, He helped it all work out in the end!

We were able to squeeze in a couple evening walks this week. One evening, we walked around the middle school and high school near us. I told Lydia I didn’t want to hear any complaining (it was 1.5 miles, in all). Well, she had fun collecting flowers and leaves, and I didn’t hear a peep of complaint! We had fun identifying the trees after we returned home.

Another night, Lydia grabbed her scooter for what ended up to be a 2.55 mile roundtrip. She rode and I walked along the bike path in our neighborhood, and we enjoyed seeing all kinds of houses and landscaping! I heard no complaints, as Lydia enjoyed seeing some new-to-her areas!

Yesterday, we met up with some friends who are moving to another state! We have been so blessed by their friendship, and we will really miss them. We played mini golf and then went to Space Aliens to eat and play arcade games. It was a fun sendoff!

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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, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Wisdom, Worship

MacGyver Mishmash

As a single parent and homeowner, I have had to be resourceful over the years. Sure, I can call someone to help me with random issues, and sometimes I do. But often, it is a matter of timing. I don’t want to inconvenience someone, or I don’t want to wait for them to show up.

Occasionally, a friend will volunteer to help me, but I don’t always run into these handy types of friends! I have a few bigger projects that I might pay someone to do, but even then, I’ll have to organize the logistics of calling and being available.

I know I am not the only one with these issues or house projects, but sometimes, I just decide to do it myself! Sometimes, I research it online and other times, I have ‘jerry-rigged’ a solution. So far I have figured out how to “unstick” my garbage disposal with a crowbar, fix my coffee machine with a dremel, change toilet seats, fix a dent in my car, and more. I have used safety pins, glue, and tape to attach buttons and shore up pant hems, too!

These are in addition to other routine tasks, like changing a plethora of light bulbs and adding air to my car tires.

On Monday evening, I (once again) attempted to fix one of Lydia’s drawers. The drawer has a track for wheels that periodically comes loose. I have had to tighten the screws from time to time. But, on Monday, I couldn’t find all four screws!

I found a couple of the screws, which had fallen down into the drawer beneath. I did what I could to replace them, but the two screws were different sizes, and I needed two more.

I searched the garage for more matching screws, but alas, I didn’t find what I was looking for. No worries! I thought of a solution. Just call me MacGyver!

Lydia learned a new word that day: INGENUITY. I told her what it meant and then showed her a practical example. Yes, I used one screw on each side of the drawer railing, but then I also superglued the remaining edges!

It worked so well (or at least until next time) that I also superglued part of my gutter outside! It has been coming loose, and I will still have to go to the hardware store at some point. But, it should hold until the next storm, at least!

I’m really thankful God gives us bursts of creativity and helps us when we need it. The slightly sticky, gluey fingers are worth the feelings of accomplishment. But, I am also glad He doesn’t rely on superglue, duct tape, paper clips, safety pins, or zip ties to hold us together or fix our problems!

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

God holds the whole world together through Jesus. And that includes us. Whatever problems you are facing today, bring them to the Lord. If you find yourself in a sticky situation (sorry, I had to!), remember nothing is too difficult for Him.

He cares for you and knows exactly what you need!

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God, thanks for giving us creative solutions to our problems. There is nothing You can’t do, and You extend that grace to us! Help us come to You first, and not as a last resort. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you enjoy DIY projects? Do you consider yourself pretty hand-on (as in building, repairing, gardening), or would you rather hire someone to do the dirty work?

Tasks: Meditate on Colossians 1:16-17 today. Here you can compare several versions. Consider what it means for Jesus to hold all things together and what that means for your life. Trust Him!

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

Finding Grace #276

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 an awesome week full of surprises! On Sunday afternoon, we went to see the new movie, Peter Rabbit 2. It was really cute and full of good lessons.

Lydia and I went for a handful of walks this week to enjoy the beautiful weather. I’m hoping to make it more of a habit to walk around our neighborhood! I used to do it twice a day when we had a dog, so it is doable. Though, I don’t plan on getting a dog anytime soon.

One evening, we walked toward Lydia’s school, and then stopped at the Holiday gas station on the way back. She wanted to buy “something” and even offered to buy me a donut. Of course, I said yes and saved it for breakfast! I love my generous girl!

The next night, we helped a young neighbor track down her dog that had gotten loose (again). Then, she invited herself and her dog on our walk, and that was approved by the little girl’s dad. We had fun hearing all sorts of funny stories. The little girl is so sweet and never stopped talking! Lydia had fun and wanted to walk other dogs in the neighborhood!

On Thursday, President Biden signed a law making Juneteenth a federal holiday. This is today (Saturday), which means that it was “observed” on Friday. It was unexpected, but I’m always grateful for extra time with Lydia. We discussed the meaning of the holiday, played some games, and enjoyed walking along Forest River Park!

Also on Thursday, I gained a new little niece! My brother and sister-in-law had their baby a couple of weeks early. Lily’s a cutie and we can’t wait to meet her!

Today, we hung out at home, and I finally finished some chores I had been putting off. Lydia helped too. Since we had a three day weekend, I was able to both relax and get some stuff done! We also enjoyed a morning and evening walk together!

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

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

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

In a Dry and Barren Land

Have you noticed that much of the western United States seems to be in a moderate to severe drought? We’ve had temperature over 100 degrees in Fargo, which is unusual to say the least! My grass is rather crispy in spots, and I have only mowed one time! 

From full-on deserts to out-of-control fires, droughts are serious. 

While we can’t do much about the weather, besides addressing climate change perhaps, we can make the best of it. We can thank God for His provision in every season. And, we can pray for rain!

Spiritually, there are some parallels to drought conditions. Our spirits can feel hot and dry at times, isolated. We can grow impatient with what we want to see and feel, but don’t.

Unfortunately, in a spiritual drought we can miss the joy of God’s presence. He is still at work even when we can’t understand what He is doing. But if we’re not careful, we can miss out on all of His goodness, too.

We can miss the heat and sunshine. We can miss the breeze sent to cool us down. We can miss beautiful flowers, as well as birds chirping. We can miss morning walks and ice cream in the evening. We can even miss opportunities to praise God!

If you are feeling dry and without spiritual hope, cry out to Jesus. He’s right there with you. Like a fountain, He will refresh you and set you back on the right path.

Late Monday night, there was an unexpected thunderstorm. The thunder and lightening woke up Lydia, and she had difficulty falling back to sleep. It’s not fun feeling vulnerable and afraid!

I was thankful for the rain, but I also needed to be a parent and comfort my child. I ended up letting her sleep with me, and of course she slept soundly after that!

I was thankful to be her safe place, pointing her back to God Himself.

Then, last night, I introduced Lydia to the Sound of Music. It’s nearly a three-hour movie, so we’ll have to finish it later. But, we gave it our best shot!

She recognized many of the songs and had fun singing along!

I could have easily just focused on my long to-do list last night; there is always something to do! But, instead, I enjoyed some refreshing time with Lydia.

If we know where to look, we can find peace, hope, and restoration in the desert setting. God made beautiful sunsets, flowers, cacti, and camels, right? 

Similarly, spiritual deserts can also have beauty. While they may or may not be preventable, our attitude (weeding) and willingness to trust God (watering) certainly make them more enjoyable.

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God, thanks for refreshing us with Your grace and love. Help us turn to You in the dry times of life. May we not wither away, but please restore and renew us. Have mercy on us and heal our land. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What have you been doing to stay cool in this heat? Do you prefer the hot, hot, hot weather?! Or, do you prefer more moderate temperatures?

Tasks: Read the lyrics to this song, “We Will Stand (In This Dry and Barren Land)“. Bonus points if you can sing it or play it on the guitar! Pray for rain and God’s renewal.